Autumn Skies over Ruby Falls - Holly Martin

 

Get swept away to the sparkling Cornish coast with the stunning new novel from bestselling author Holly Martin. Autumn Skies Over Ruby Falls is the perfect romantic treat to snuggle up with this autumn.

Clover Philips is exactly where she’s meant to be – back home on Jewel Island teaching dance to the guests at the beautiful Sapphire Bay Hotel that she co-owns with her sisters Skye and Aria. Her life is complete, except for one thing…

When Clover left London she also left behind a devastating betrayal. She hasn’t been able to date anyone since, let alone allow herself to fall in love. What she needs is a casual fling to ease herself back into romance. And as luck would have it, the very handsome Angel Mazzeo is back in town.

The chemistry between Clover and Angel has been undeniable ever since Angel first arrived on Jewel Island six months ago. And though content to be her friend till now, Angel is more than willing to help Clover find her dating feet again.

It should be easy to keep things carefree when love is off the table, but when every moment is magical what started as casual soon becomes something much deeper. Will Clover and Angel find the courage to tell each other how they really feel? And is Clover ready to do the one thing she swore she’d never do again, fall in love?

My Review:
A complete joy to be on Jewel Island again, especially at the Sapphire Bay hotel. I enjoyed meeting the characters previously and was happy that this time we focus more on Clover. The setting sounds absolutely stunning, I wish we could take a holiday right here!
Clover co-owns the hotel with her sisters and is now back on the island teaching some dance classes. She is a loveable character and we know she has been badly treated by an ex, which has left her damaged and reluctant to trust again especially romantically.
We do, however, know she really likes a certain someone and that its entirely possible the feeling is mutual. Angel is full of wanderlust, loving to travel and see as much as the world as he possible can, he doesn’t tend to commit which sounds ideal to Clover when the sparks start flying between the pair. Angel knows her history and is perfect – he is patient, caring, understanding and just dreamy if you ask me.
Holly Martin gives us the romance, to warm and fuzzies but also a bit of drama to add some excitement. I love all Holly Martin books, they are wonderful and charming, with characters you get to understand and take to your heart.
We see Clover really come into her own in this book, she understands herself and her feelings and allows herself to be open to change. I didn’t necessarily bank on the happy ending or fairy-tale romance ending for this one (although hoped for it because Angel sounds perfect) but I think the most important part of this story was how she learned to trust again.
You can read this as a standalone but please treat yourself to all of Holly’s books too, never disappoints and perfect for snuggling up to read.

Available to purchase HERE

Hopeful Hearts at Glendale Hall - Victoria Walters

 

What happens when love takes you to unexpected places?

Heather Douglas appears to have it all. But living on a farm in the Scottish Highlands with her partner, Rory Fraser, all while bringing up their adorable toddler, Harry, isn’t easy. As a former librarian, Heather is worried that she’ll never fully fit into life on Fraser Farm. And after the death of her beloved mum five years ago, Heather feels lost, as well as guilty for holding back accepting Rory’s marriage proposal because she can’t imagine her wedding without her mother.

So when ex-boyfriend, Stewart, appears in the village of Glendale, it’s a shock to the system. The man who broke her heart years ago now has big plans for the neighbouring farm and wants Heather to be part of the development. Knowing that she’s living a very different life to the one they had planned at university leaves Heather wondering if she has made the right choices since she and Stewart broke up. Especially when things start to go very wrong on the farm ...

This Christmas, Heather will need to face her fears and let go of the past or risk losing everything. She will need love, faith, and a whole lot of hope!

Return to the beautiful Highlands village of Glendale with the latest book in the bestselling Glendale series – the perfect cosy, uplifting, romantic read for fans of Heidi Swain, Milly Johnson and Holly Martin.

My Review:

It’s always a pleasure to read the next in a series you have grown to love. Here we are with book 3 in this charming series by Victoria Walters, and Glendale is a community that I feel right at home in. This visit focuses on the story of Heather, who we have come across in the books. If you haven’t had the pleasure of reading them, don’t worry it can read as a standalone, but you’d enjoy catching up on the action from the first two so I highly recommend.

Heather, Rory and their gorgeous son are quite the adorable family unit. Heather is growing used to life as a farmers ‘wife’ and living on the farm, mucking in and helping out more and more. She is a full-on worrier, and it often weighs heavy on her; thinking things will fail, or that the worst will always happen.

I do love Heathers character but I often found myself so frustrated with her, I wanted to just reach out and tell her to open up, communicate with those she loved more and it would help no end. She is a great character though and you can’t help but love her for finding her inner strength and showing those around she is indeed tough enough and has got what it takes.

There is drama, suspense, an absolute stinker of a bad guy who could do with being taught a thing or two. I was captivated by the ups and downs of Heathers story, life certainly isn’t dull and especially not on this farm.

As with any book series, it was great to revisit old characters and see how they were getting on, it does feel like seeing old friends.

Such a charming feel to these stories, and this book is perfect for cosying up and enjoying. I read in a couple of sittings as was so involved in the story. It is such a feel good story, a lot of drama to keep you on the edge of your seat! I admit I had moments where I thought Heather was going to do something I wouldn’t be able to forgive her for.

Showing that you can push yourself and step outside of your comfort zone to find what you truly want and what can make you happy can be the last thing you think it would be. This book is a well written and heartful story that I would recommend for this upcoming season. 

Purchase Links

Amazon https://amzn.to/2Y6P1dt

Apple https://apple.co/3emKwBn  

Kobo https://bit.ly/37AMc7D

Author Bio:

Victoria Walters writes up-lifting and inspiring stories. She's the author of three novels, THE SECOND LOVE OF MY LIFE, SUMMER AT THE KINDNESS CAFÉ, and COMING HOME TO GLENDALE HALL. She has been chosen for WHSmith Fresh Talent and shortlisted for an RNA award. Victoria was also picked as an Amazon Rising Star, and her books have won wide reader acclaim.

Victoria is a full-time author. She lives in Surrey with her cat Harry, and loves books, clothes, music, going out for tea and cake, and posting photos on Instagram.

Find out more about Victoria by following on Instagram at @vickyjwalters, on Twitter at @Vicky_Walters or by visiting her blog at:https://victoria-writes.com/

Our Story - Miranda Dickinson

 An epic and modern love story for our times, this isn’t a will-they-won’t they story. It’s a why won’t they? Perfect for fans of Lucy Dillon and Rosie Walsh.

Otty has just landed her dream job. She's about to join the writing team of one of the most respected showrunners in TV. And then the night before her first day, she's evicted from her flat.

Joe has been working with Russell for years. He's the best writer on his team, but lately something has been off. He's trying to get his mojo back, but when his flatmate moves out without warning he has other things to worry about.

Otty moving into Joe's house seems like the most obvious solution to both their problems, but neither is prepared for what happens next. Paired together in the writing room, their obvious chemistry sparks from the page and they are the writing duo to beat. But their relationship off the page is an entirely different story, and neither of them can figure out why.

And suddenly the question isn't, will they, or won't they? It's why won't they?

An epic and modern love story for our times, we will all see ourselves reflected in Otty and Joe. We are our own biggest barriers and this novel explores what happens when we get out of our own way. And it is glorious

My Review:

This is Miranda Dickinson at her very best. What an absolute delight ‘Our Story’ is; well written, fun, dramatic and with charming, endearing characters. This is the kind of book that ‘played’ in mind like a film as I read, I could picture it up on the big screen… I just wonder who would play our brilliant Otty and Joe.

Their story is powerful but not in an over the top, hearts, and flowers predictable way. Both characters have faults and problems, both aren’t entirely truthful with the other, both learn as the story develops and seeing how it plays out is captivating. I wanted them to find what they were looking for whether that meant they could be in each other’s lives or not. I was hoping both would be happy and especially happy for the other character. I couldn’t put the book down; I was all in just because both characters got under my skin and meant so much to me. By the end I was gutted it was over and had a book hangover, I couldn’t touch another book for a couple of days.  

I was fascinated by the inner workings of the writers room of a popular TV show, it had a very fly on the wall sense about it, I could imagine this was how all our TV favourites come into fruition. I don’t want to go too much into the story or how it all ends, as I think it’s always best to find out for yourself, but I was entertained and unsure of how it would end all the way through.

Miranda Dickinson creates such gorgeous characters that you take to your heart. The story is well paced and written in a great style typical to the author. I love that it isn’t just a romance story, it’s about finding yourself and following your own dreams.

I want to read more, I wish I could follow Otty and Joe’s story…

I cannot recommend this highly enough. One of my absolute favourite reads of the year.

PURCHASE HERE

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

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

‘A pure delight’ Debbie Johnson

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

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

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

Purchase Links –

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

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

My Review:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Author:

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

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

Recent Reads - Round Up Reviews

A very brief review round up for some recent reads...

The Berlin Girl - Mandy Robotham
Avon

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Having read the authors previous books I was anticipating another fantastic historical fiction read and I wasn't disappointed at all. I always get swept away by Mandy Robotham’s storytelling and characters. Our lead, Georgie, is gutsy and very aware of her abilities. She hasn’t and doesn’t let anything or anyone stand in her way and I admire that, even though in gets her in some precarious positions! The people she meets, the relationships she establishes during her time in Berlin will change her life and vice-versa.

A fast paced read, it will have you intrigued, appalled and championing the innocents. It has heart and emotion. I often wonder what happens after ‘The End’ so the inclusion of the epilogue here really completes the journey for us

Highly recommended.

Publication Date: 29/10/20

The Ringmasters Daughter - Carly Schabowski
Bookouture - Published 07/07/20

1940 and as the war rages, Michels home, Paris, is threatened and he reluctantly flees. Finding himself within a group of colourful and dramatic characters, he joins the circus, Le Cirque Neumann. The circus becomes his haven, finding somewhere he can belong. He builds friendships, finds love, believes this life could be the making of him.

A great historical read, highlighting more difficulties of war. It has moments of lighthearted, beauty but also heartache and suffering. As with many novels of this genre, it is a story of hope; a belief in better things to come and in a life that would not be governed by fear or the need to escape or watch over your shoulder.

War is not the overriding theme though, merely a backdrop to this romantic tale. I enjoyed that we focus on the characters, their stories, and lives. Michel is quiet, charming in his own way and happy just to go along with things. Frieda is a breath of fresh air and I’m not surprised he falls for her in such a way. She is the one that keeps things together and her care for others shines through.

I think the plot was nicely paced, characters were well written and established, although I have to say there were a lot of them to keep track of!! I found it to be a gorgeous read, I got through it very quickly.

I enjoyed this book immensely but I was a little surprised that the author went from third person to first person towards the end. I felt the last part was rushed and jumped through time too much. I had anticipated a different ending, I was pleasantly surprised but I was very satisfied with how it was resolved.

To be a great debut from this author, I will look forward to more.

The Cottage of Curiosities - Celia Anderson

HarperCollins - Publication Date: 17/09/20

Having read and adored 59 Memory Lane I could not wait for this return to Pengally. I do think if you haven’t read 59 Memory Lane you should read it first (a) because its wonderful and b) it will give some clarity to this story.

Celia Anderson is brilliant; her writing is gorgeous and the way she tells these stories, brings her characters to life is wonderful.

With ‘The Cottage of Curiosities’ we have a lovely tale of self discovery, love, hope and acceptance. Friendships and relationships play such important roles within this story.

We meet Grace who is searching for information on her biological parents, and finds herself heading to the coastal village of Pengelly. Here she effortlessly fits into the community, making friends as she uncovers the truth about where she came from. All of that on top of managing and utilising an extremely special, maybe magical, skill to help those she gets close to.

An absolutely heart-warming and uplifting book, a real curl up, get cosy kind of read. I cannot recommend this enough.

Do not Disturb - Claire Douglas
Paperback published August 9th 2018 by Penguin

Having read this author latest release and loving it and so did what every book lover does when discovering a new author they like…Set about going through every book they have written.

This thriller had me hooked from the start, I couldn’t read it fast enough if I’m honest. What a page turner.

I think the structure of the book is good, first part is leading up to the “main event” and then the second part being the aftermath and consequences of what happened. This story covers many topics murder, violence, marital problems, mental health issues and the woes of being a parent.

There are some red herrings thrown in along the way to keep you guessing, I really felt quite sorry for Kirsty. She is a woman with a lot on her plate, she doesn’t want to add any burden or stress on to her husband Adrian so keeps a lot from him; she worries about making her business a success as well as having a whole host of family drama turn up at her door. She is overprotective of her children but could this be for very good reason?

This secluded village location, the vivid descriptions added to the atmosphere of the book which is incredibly well written.

A tense thriller that I would definitely recommend. 

Starcross Manor - Christie Barlow

 

Dying to know more about the brooding and mysterious Flynn Carter and the secrets behind his plans for Starcross Manor?

You won’t want to miss the next spellbinding chapter in the Love Heart Lane series – where friends are there for you no matter what.

When Julia Coleman meets Flynn Carter again in the cosy village of Heartcross it can only mean trouble. Flynn might be rich, brooding and sexy, but Julia knows first-hand he’s ruthless and she plans to watch his every move.

When Julia discovers Flynn’s plans for beautiful Starcross Manor her greatest fears come true.  Because Flynn’s dreams of turning Starcross into a luxury hotel could ruin Julia’s dreams…and finish off the community of Heartcross for good.

Flynn makes it clear he doesn’t want trouble, and he’s not the man Julia thinks he is.  As he sets about convincing the community he’s changed, he hopes he can convince Julia to give him another chance too… 

My Review:

I am an unashamed big fan and supporter of this series – Love Heart Lane went straight to my heart and I haven’t looked back since. Starcross Manor is #4 of the series but honestly if you haven’t read the others it’s not a problem as it could be a standalone. I would recommend having a read of the other books in the series though because they are great reads.

Returning to Heartcross, our main character this time is Julia, B&B owner extraordinaire. She hears of the rich, mysterious stranger in the village and soon realises it is somebody she has met before, and someone she is not at all happy about seeing again.

Julia takes it upon herself to unite her friends and fellow business owners in order to protect their livelihoods and their village, but has she picked  fight for the wrong reasons.

What I love about these books in the overriding sense of community spirit, the friendships, connections, and willingness of people to show kindness towards others. They are a lovely group of characters, all with their own story to tell and I enjoy coming across previous ‘main’ characters and seeing how their lives are going.

I love Julia as a main character, she’s fiery and determined and will work hard for what she wants. She holds relationships and friendships close to her heart and will do everything she can for those she cares about, even if it that may leave her blind to the bigger picture. She can admit she is wrong though and shows in this story that she can work hard to put things right, no matter the cost.

So many misunderstandings, false accusations, and drama in this book – I was enthralled. I was expecting Flynn to be an absolute slimeball but, he surprises you and in fact it’s clear to see he isn’t all he leads everyone to think.

Christie Barlow is one of my go-to authors, her writing style is easy to identify, you are pulled into the story because of the characters and how well they are written. You really take them to heart and care what is happening to them.  Starcross Manor had me hooked from the start, I tried to savour it but it was easily a book to cosy up and devour. 

Christie has really brought this village and its inhabitants to life, I wish it was real and we could all go and visit. I’d love to see Julia and stay in her B&B; going around meeting all our local favourites.

A story full of heart, truth and understanding. Of course, it wouldn’t be the same without romance, a sprinkling of love to keep every romantic heart (like mine) happy. A gorgeous read that I highly recommend. 

Purchase Links

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Starcross-Manor-Love-Heart-Lane-ebook/dp/B082LY59ZX/

US - https://www.amazon.com/Starcross-Manor-Love-Heart-Lane-ebook/dp/B082LY59ZX/

Author Bio:

Christie Barlow is the number 1 International bestselling author of ten bestsellers including A Home at Honeysuckle Farm, Love Heart Lane and Clover Cottage. Her writing career came as somewhat a surprise when she decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. The book she wrote to prove a point is now a #1 bestseller in the UK, USA, Canada & Australia.

Social Media Links –

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christie_barlow/?hl=en

Twitter @ChristieJBarlow 

Facebook page Christie Barlow author

Dear Emmie Blue - Lia Louis

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

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

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

My Review: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase here.