Living The Dream at Puddleduck Farm - Della Galton

 

Life would be idyllic if everyone else was on the same page…

Puddleduck Vets Practice is busier than ever.
Phoebe Dashwood is juggling the usual crazy animal antics of her quirky clients, whilst organising the wedding of her bridezilla grandmother and thankfully dating her perfect man.

Phoebe loves every minute of being a New Forest vet, even if she hardly has time to catch her breath. If only she could find some quality time for her and the man of her dreams, life would be perfect.

When an ex’s heartbreak stirs up some emotions from the past, Phoebe realises she must deal with some unfinished business. It would seem a miracle is needed to pull off a happy ending for everyone – but is it within Phoebe's power to work miracles?

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

My Review:
The third book of this series, the grand finale some my say. I’d recommend reading the previous books before this one as it ties up loose ends and clears up situations from the previous book.

I must admit I wasn’t keen on the romantic developments in the last book, I didn’t really see the connection other than being best friends. It was obvious Sam adored Phoebe, but she wasn’t overly sure, and it took some time. Personally, I thought she was settling for someone she knew loved her rather than actually feeling it herself. I’m not actually fully convinced even after this book, but I do like all the characters  and it’s nice to read stories that have positive endings.

We catch up with everyone throughout the book and see how their story plays out. We even see Rufus going through some emotional ups and downs and discovering support in the most unexpected place, he finally finds what he needs and it definitely comes with a bigger surprise than any of us expected.

I enjoy Dellas storytelling, it is well paced and keeps you entertained from start to finish. I have always enjoyed the inclusion of animals and their antics, and this time was no different.

A lovely way to end the series! 

Author Bio:

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 Love Interest - Victoria Walters

 

No man can be as good as the one in your imagination...

Librarian Liv Thomas has always dreamed of writing a romance novel. But she’s stuck when it comes to creating a romantic hero – sadly – lacking anyone in real life to base him on.

When her brother suggests his best friend stay in their shared flat for a few weeks, she can’t believe her bad luck. Aiden Rivers is irritating and pushes all her buttons. Worst of all, he’s gorgeous, has a sexy accent and reminds her of her all-time favourite character Mr Darcy.

Liv finds herself unexpectedly inspired and the leading man in her novel begins to bear an uncanny resemblance to Aiden. He can never find out though: she’d never live it down. Because Aiden can only ever be her love interest in the pages of her book – and definitely not in real life… right?!

A laugh-out-loud enemies to lovers rom com, perfect for those who spend far too much time thinking about Mr Darcy coming out of the lake!

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

My Review:

Victoria Walters has written some wonderful books, creating series’ I’ve really enjoyed with characters I’ve grown fond of. I was eager to read this latest, standalone book and it did not disappoint in the slightest. Who doesn’t love an enemies to lovers story arc?

I’ve seen reviews that found Aiden annoying at first; I didn’t at all – I thought he was funny, sounded dreamy and was bouncing off the energy Olivia gave to him. Olivia’s brothers best friends has been part of her life for so long and he annoys her, she finds herself frustrated over the smallest thing he does. At first, we don’t understand why, but as the story unfolds we get to learn why Aiden pushes her buttons in all the wrong ways. I like Olivia’s character but boy has she held on to that for a long long time! Maybe it’s just me that could clearly tell he was into her from the start and that teasing, being a bit mean was just his way of showing it?

Olivia is trying to write her first romantic novel, needing something to influence her story she starts to see those around her in new ways, emotions are stirred and perhaps that annoying pain in the bum best friend of her brothers is not as bad as she thought. With life throwing them together in more ways than one, she slowly starts to think of Aiden in a completely new, sexy, way.

This book does play on the romantic cliches that we love, the Mr Darcy-esq moments, the will they/ wont they, the decoy love interest that doesn’t amount to anything (they are definitely not suited at all anyway).

I really enjoyed reading this one, funny with romance and passion oozing from every chapter. An easy read that was entertaining from start to finish.

Another brilliant read from Victoria Walters. 

Author Bio: 

Victoria Walters is the author of both cosy crime and romantic novels, including the bestselling Glendale Hall series. She has been chosen for WHSmith Fresh Talent, shortlisted for two RNA novels and was picked as an Amazon Rising Star. Previously published by Hera, she is now writing romantic comedies for Boldwood.

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The Year That Changed Us - Helen Rolfe

A warm-hearted and gripping story of community, secrets and the family we choose that will captivate fans of Lucy Diamond, Cathy Bramley and Jessica Redland.

As young women, Lise and Emma had the kind of friendship people dream about. While Lise's own family was distant and disengaged, Emma's was welcoming and warm, and for the first twenty-six years of their life, growing up together in a close-knit community, the duo were inseparable. But when they decide to spend one year living together in Paris, what starts as the adventure of a lifetime becomes a disaster that changes everything. And when Emma returns to Bath the following summer, Lise stays behind in France, their friendship in tatters.

Now, sixteen years later, Lise has come back to their hometown, determined to put things right. But to do so, she'll have to face up to the truth about what happened in Paris. And with Emma refusing to talk to her, can she get close enough to share her secret?

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

My Review:

I am a fan of Helen Rolfe and have read every book, enjoyed every series, characters and setting. I have been looking forward to reading ‘The Year That Changed Us; and was as happy as ever by the fabulous story Helen has shared with us.

We meet Emma and Annalise (Lise), the best of friends, since childhood into their young adult lives. Inseparable, Emma was a safe haven for Annalise’s’ unhappy childhood, they shared all parts of their lives and promised nothing, and nobody would ever come between their special friendship. When their dream adventure goes wrong, promises cannot always be upheld, and their lives are changed forever.

Many years have passed, lives have moved on and Emma’s life is again turned upside down by the arrival of Annalise. Emotions are high, feelings of hurt, anger and betrayal cannot be easily overcome, if at all, but could there be a way for these two women who shared so much?

Well... incredible. I loved it from start to finish.

Interesting and likeable characters, Emma and Annalise are very different; their personalities, upbringing, and families; yet their bond is clearly very special. I found myself on Emma’s side at first, I liked Annalise but found my loyalty sticking with Emma. She has the comfortable childhood, surrounded by her very loving family whereas Annalise had money but parents that didn’t seem to care that much. Emma’s family became Annalise’s – which only serves to make the pain of her actions later hurt even more for Emma. Emma has clearly been through so much, loss, pain and heartache. Annalise’s life wasn’t what she envisioned; her choices had consequences, but she is back wanting to change things if she can. I was rooting for the characters to find some way to reunite. Neither character is perfect, both have flaws and have made mistakes; both have hurt the other in some way. There is no right or wrong in the situation, that’s perhaps what makes this story so engaging, how people can be blind to see their own errors, not face up to what they did wrong because of how much hurt they feel.

Brilliant writing from this wonderful author, I think this book really stands out amongst the others I’ve read by her.

A story about the power of friendship, the bonds that bind people and the chance to discover if they are ever fully broken or could there be some way back.  

A story with conflict, heartache, and drama yet an important message of the importance friendships and forgiveness.

Excellent read, highly recommended. 

Author Bio:

Helen Rolfe is the author of many bestselling contemporary women’s fiction titles, set in different locations from the Cotswolds to New York. Most recently published by Orion, she is bringing sixteen titles to Boldwood – a mixture of new series and well-established backlist. She lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and children.

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The Girl She Left Behind - Jo Bartlett

 

Brand new from best-selling author Jo Bartlett, an emotional and uplifting read, guaranteed to break your heart and put it back together again.

A family in turmoil...

Phoebe Spencer left home a long time ago, desperate to get away from her mother's emotional manipulation. She knows her life is better away from her family, but she can’t help feeling she’s simply running away from her problems…

Then Phoebe hears that her younger sister Lucy has disappeared, leaving behind her four-year old daughter, Darcy. Phoebe's certain Lucy will be back soon - she'd never leave Darcy alone - and then Phoebe can get on with her life again.

But as the days pass there's still no sign of Lucy, and everyone begins to fear the worst. Phoebe has to consider the terrible truth that Lucy might never come home. And as their mother makes it clear she wants to take control of Darcy’s life, Phoebe must do all she can to protect the girl her sister left behind – no matter the cost to her.

A brand new emotional read from bestselling author Jo Bartlett.

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

My Review:

I’ve been a fan of this author for a while, enjoyed her previous book enormously and jumped at the chance to read ‘The girl she left behind.’

Was it truly what I expected? Based on my previous enjoyment of Jo’s books I knew it would be excellently written, with good characters and not shying away from some bigger, realistic issues – what I didn’t expect was the darker, intense storylines; the pain, the sadness nor the themes it includes.

Did this mean I enjoyed it any the less? Absolutely not!  It’s an incredible read, a fantastic story that shows Jo’s brilliant skill as a writer to tackle such issues; narcissism, suicide, childhood trauma whilst bringing a powerful story that does give wonderful characters, heart wrenching moments and some resolution.

Phoebe escaped once, left behind her childhood pain and narcissistic Mum, but now finds herself having to go back. Her sister is missing with many believing her disappearance to be a suicide; the note left behind says Phoebe must take care of her daughter. Whilst the search for Lucy continues, Phoebe cares for Darcy with the help of neighbour, Jamie, and friends; she is determined her parents don’t get any chance to cause the damage to Darcy they did to her.  Phoebe is determined her sister would never abandon gives Darcy, she loved her, but with each passing day it looks less likely Lucy could return. When she receives a letter from Lucy, Phoebe does all she can to figure out what has happened to her sister and when she realises those around her haven’t been fully honest, she questions everything.

Reading about their Mum, the narcissism, the pain she caused as well as the lasting damage; it was shocking at times. You really did dislike her character from the start, no chinks of anything redeemable and think the implied ending is probably long over due and not a surprise.

It is an emotional read in so many ways, the characters are real and how their emotions are depicted has an impact. I think Darcy is a source of positivity – the love she has for those around her, the innocence and upset all rolled into one small person.

This book contained so much drama and many revelations, yet it didn’t feel rushed. Once I’d started reading, I didn’t really want to put it down.

Excellent read, highly recommend – just expect something darker if you’ve read any of hers before. 

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. Her first title for Boldwood is The Cornish Midwife – part of a twelve-book deal.

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A Breath of Fresh Air - Jessica Redland

Rosie feels like there's something missing in her life. She loves her job as the manager of Willowdale Hall Riding Stables, caring for the horses and teaching children to ride, and she loves the home she shares with her mother in the beautiful Lake District. But she can't help wondering how her life might look if things had been different. What if her father had been around to help care for her mother? And what if she'd found someone special herself?

When Hubert Cranleigh - the owner of Willowdale Hall - is taken ill, his son Oliver steps into the breach. Brooding and distant, Rosie is furious when he claims not to know who she is. Especially when they have a history.

Rosie's life is about to be turned upside down, but with the New Year comes new opportunities. What Rosie feels is missing from her life might be closer than she thinks, and with more significant consequences than she could ever have imagined...

Take a breath of fresh air and escape to the Lake District with million-copy bestseller Jessica Redland, for an uplifting story of family, friendship and love

Purchase Links - https://mybook.to/freshairsocial

My Review:

I love a Jessica Redland series and so have been really looking forward to A Breath of Fresh Air; the second in the Escape to the Lakes series. Having been blown away by the first book and Autumns story, I was keen to see how Rosies story would work out.

Autumn had escaped to the Lake District to meet her long time penpal, and best friend, Rosie. We had already discovered quite a lot about her and her Mum, but this time the focus being on them means we learn so much more. Although it is the second book in the series you could read this as a standalone, you do catch up with Autumn and what is happening with her (I would highly recommend reading The Start of Something Wonderful though).

Rosie lives with her Mum Alice, is the manager of the local riding stable on the estate where she grew up. She has been happy until recently – worrying about her Mum who is too afraid to leave the grounds of the Estate following an accident years ago, fearing she would remain single forever as well as questioning who her father was. With so much uncertainty and worry in her life she is wary when a familiar face from her past is now very much part of the present.

 I love the characters Jessica creates; they are believable and feel like friends who you want the best for. I emphasised with Rosie, her frustration and worry and understood why she guarded herself against further hurt. Alice was a frustration for me, I really do like her and sympathised with the trauma she had been through I just wished she’d try and get some help for herself. There are characters you are definitely not meant to like, especially as we discover some heart breaking truths.

Another excellent read, honestly I can’t praise Jessica Redland enough for constantly bringing us books with great settings, wonderful storylines and engaging characters.

A Breath of Fresh Air is just that for readers. A book to thoroughly enjoy, full of emotion, hope and heart. Already looking forward to 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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An Enchanted Moment on Ever After Street - Jaimie Admans

 

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

A tale as old as time…

Since her mum’s death, Marnie Platt has shut herself away from everyone who cares about her. Worse, her beloved bookshop on Ever After Street is suffering too. With sales down and the shop’s garden falling into disrepair, Marnie risks losing the very last thing she loves. Until a chance encounter with her surly and reclusive neighbour….

Dark and brooding, Darcy O'Connell likes to keep himself to himself. But when he hears Marnie needs help, he can’t turn his back on her. Soon they are spending most evenings together in her enchanted garden and a friendship starts to bloom…

With the help of old and new friends on Ever After Street, Marnie's bookshop begins to thrive again, and with Darcy's kindness, she starts to get her sparkle back too. She just can't understand why Darcy continues to shut himself away - especially from her. Can she convince him it isn't too late to embrace life, and maybe love, again?

Because every story, even theirs, deserves a happy ending….

My review:

Magical and heart warming, for Beauty and the Beast fans everywhere. A story of romance, overcoming insecurities and being true to who you are, no matter what.

A second book in the Ever After Street series, and a glorious, fairytale that had me hooked from start to finish.

Marnie, grieving her Mum, runs bookshops – A Tale As Old As Time. They ran the shop together, so her Mums loss has impacted in massive ways. When the bookshop is put at risk, she is devastated and determined to make changes, with or without the input from her grumpy neighbour Darcy. She’s never seen him, nobody has, but a chance encounter from either side of the wall leads to a very unique and unexpected friendship.

As the story unfolds, both Marnie and Darcy open up, they help heal each other in many ways and form a bond that is special. When we discover the trauma in Darcys history we can understand why he has been the way he has, it was emotional and made his development throughout the story so much more special.

I loved the characters, I think they complemented each other and brought the best out of one another. I was so glad this book was set in a bookshop (a book lovers dream!) yet again I felt the sense of community within this story; with great characters we have previously met popping up and meeting those that may take a main role in future books.

A gorgeous read, great writing, engaging characters and I am already looking forward to the next in the series. 

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

Author Bio:

Jaimie Admans is the bestselling author of several romantic comedies – including The Little Christmas Shop on Nutcracker Lane and The Chateau of Happily-Ever-Afters. She lives in South Wales and was previously published by HQ Digital. Her new work for Boldwood, The Ever After Street Series, is based on the magical world of fairytales, the first title of which will be released in Spring 2023.

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Sunrise Over Strawberry Hill Farm - Alison Sherlock

 

She drives a tractor. He arrives in a red Ferrari. What could possibly go wrong?

Flora Barton is desperate to save her family home Strawberry Hill Farm. She only needs one thing - a great business idea to keep the farm afloat!

So, when Nico Rossi arrives from Italy with a crazy plan to save the farm, Flora should be overjoyed. The trouble is the Rossi men are infamous playboys and sensible Flora doesn’t trust impetuous Nico at all.

Nico has been trying to escape the famous Rossi surname his whole life. Arriving in sleepy Cranfield after recently losing his beloved grandfather and family vineyard, he has no intention of staying on any longer than necessary. But he soon realises how desperate the situation is and throws caution to the wind to help turn the farm into a Glamping site.

Can Flora realise her dreams to keep the farm safe for the future and can Nico ever stop running from his past?

As they try to save Strawberry Hill Farm, secrets are revealed and just maybe they’ll discover why opposites attract...
Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/strawberryhillsocial

My Review:

Sunrise over Strawberry Hill Farm is the third book in the Railway Lane series. I’ve enjoyed the previous books so have been looking forward to Flora’s story.

Having met Flora in the previous books, I felt like I knew her already. It had been made clear her strong connection to her Grams, the farm they live on and that she has a strong work ethic and is committed to their livelihood.

Flora is wondering what more they can do to ensure they don’t lose the farm when a visitor from Italy comes and definitely shakes things up in more ways than one. Flora isn’t impressed with the new face around the farm and doesn’t trust him at all, she believes he has a certain reputation that makes him completely bad news.

Nico isn’t all that he seems, he has had a life of being cast aside but the world believing his life to be perfect. He wants to prove himself but often doesn’t get the chance.

He wants to help Flora and Grams save their home, but he has work to do to convince Flora he is more than he first appears.

Admittedly I found Flora to be a little… boring, well maybe that’s harsh, but she is so steady and cautious. I wished for her to live a little so when Nico came on the scene, I hoped she would learn to do this. Nico is a gorgeous sounding young man; he is kind and considerate and follows his heart.

I love the idea they work on for the farm, it sounds idyllic and definitely a profitable venture to secure their home. It was also great to catch up with characters from previous books too. I enjoy how Alison Sherlock has created a lovely community feel within her books, the writing is so descriptive you can almost smell the lavender fields, taste the delicious pizzas and hear the sounds of the beautiful countryside.

A great read to kick start the year, well written with interesting characters and feel-good storylines. I look forward to the next in this series. 

Author Bio:

Alison Sherlock is the author of the bestselling Willow Tree Hall books. Alison enjoyed reading and writing stories from an early age and gave up office life to follow her dream. Her series for Boldwood is set in a fictional Cotswold village.

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