The Recipe for Happiness - Jane Lovering

 

When Seren’s brother Andrew signs her up to Yorkshire Dating, only for them to recommend that she ‘gets a life’ before they find her a match, Seren has to admit that they may have a point. 

She loves her job cooking at an elder day centre and her little flat, but it’s fair to say her life is a little short of hobbies and friends. Since she was young Seren has felt safer close to home, but now she’s a thirty-something divorcee, it’s time for a change.

Change arrives in the shape of alarmingly clever collie Kez, who Seren offers to take in ‘temporarily’, and kind but mysterious new colleague Ned. But as Ned and Kez tempt Seren out of her shell, it means facing her fears. And when Andrew finally reveals the secrets of their childhood, Seren’s need for safety suddenly makes sense.

A problem shared is a problem halved, and with friends by her side, Seren might be able to get a life that she loves at last.

My Review:

A first for me, being a newbie to Jane Lovering books I was excited to see how this read would pan out and I was not disappointed at all.

I loved it from start to finish, a book that I was reluctant to put down.

The characters are ‘normal’ and by that I mean, relatable and comfortable. They are they type of people I’d love to be around and I really liked them. Seren is a creature of comfort, seeking what she knows and being home over challenge but she decides it could be time for a change. Change comes initially in the form of Kez, a super clever Collie and Ned.

The more we learn about Seren, the more we understand her reluctance to face her fears and put herself out there. With the right support around her, can she finally be the Seren she longs to be and potentially find romance where she hopes she will find it.

Warm, tender and a read that gives your emotions a big squeeze. I really loved the added recipes too!  It may be my first but it won’t be my last. 

Purchase Link:

https://mybook.to/recipehappinesssocial

Author Bio:

Jane Lovering is the bestselling and award-winning romantic comedy writer who won the RNA Contemporary Romance Novel Award in 2023 with A Cottage Full of Secrets. She lives in Yorkshire and has a cat and a bonkers terrier, as well as five children who have now left home.

Social Media Links –   

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Jane-Lovering-Author-106404969412833

Twitter https://twitter.com/janelovering

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jane-lovering

The Woman in my Home - Diana Wilkinson

 

It was all meant to be so easy. Payback with a difference.

I’d stay in Ballyholme, Northern Ireland, to decide whether to forgive my cheating husband, Ryan. Ciara, my new best friend, would stay in our London home, free of charge, until I made up my mind.

The ruse certainly had its plus points: Ciara’s unexpected appearance would freak Ryan out, and my disappearance should make him regret his roving eye.

But now I learn Ciara has evidence … evidence that my husband has committed murder. And she’s no longer answering my texts and calls. Is it some sort of blackmail plot? More worrying, if Ryan is indeed a killer, could he strike again?

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

My Review:

A twisted story of revenge, plotting to get exactly what you want and doing whatever it takes, or going wherever needed, to put your plans into action.

Full of suspense and intrigue, I was keen to read on and get to the end, finding out what happened to certain characters that fully deserved whatever came their way. I have to admit there are no characters I absolutely loved, even Flo wasn’t my cup of tea really. I wasn’t convinced about some of the things she did or the relationships she forged. Her connection with Ciara’s brother was interesting, I was expecting more from his character by the end as well.

Some twists and turns along the way but nothing that completely surprised me, I could work out what was going to happen and that’s ok, I enjoyed it. Sometimes too many red herrings/plot twists can be off putting. I liked that this went where I hoped it would.

This was an entertaining read, paced and well written. I would definitely recommend. 

Author Bio:

Diana Wilkinson is a graduate of Durham University, spending a short spell in teaching before taking up a full-time career in tennis development. A former Irish international player, she finally stepped off the tennis court to become a full-time writer.

Social Media Links:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DiWilkinson2020

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianakennett37/

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/diana-wilkinso

Summer Nights at the Starfish Café - Jessica Redland

Welcome back to The Starfish Café for a glorious summer, but with a few dark clouds on the horizon... A new beginning...

As her summer wedding to Jake approaches, Hollie is excited for their new beginning as a family. But when some unexpected news threatens the future she and Jake had hoped for, Hollie will need to find the strength to overcome heartache once more.

 A fragile heart….

Single mum, Kerry, loves her job at The Starfish Café, but behind the brave smiles and laughter with customers there is a sadness deep within. So when someone from her past re-appears in her life, Kerry can either hide away or face her demons and try to finally move on from her heartbreak.

A summer to remember…

For Hollie and Kerry it promises to be an emotional rollercoaster of a summer, but the community at The Starfish Café will always be there to help them through - after all, with courage nothing is impossible…

Join top 10 bestseller Jessica Redland for a wonderful summer at the seaside, full of love, friendship and community spirit.

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3GxA5dk

My Review:

Summer Nights at the Starfish Café is the third and final book in the Starfish Café Series and what a way to go. This whole series has been brilliant – drama, emotion, ups and downs; a host of great characters (and not so great of course) but at the root of it is love, determination, over coming adversity and being surrounded by the best people. This third book sums this all up nicely, with old faces making a not so welcome return, heartbreak and strength playing a massive part in every characters story in some way.

Emotional rollercoaster doesn’t really do this one justice; prepare yourselves and get hankies ready. Hollie and Jake have been through so much, individually and together, happy endings, wedded bliss and a rosy future for book three? Well…. Not quite, not right away at least. I won’t say more but these guys are made of tough stuff.

Kerry and her brood are in for some surprises, a blast of the past returns to seek something they believe they should have and this reveals a whole history that causes pain and anguish. I think Kerry is amazing in this situation though, classy and putting those she loves most first every time. A dramatic rollercoaster tinged with healing hearts, new starts and interesting developments.

I didn’t think I would be so ok with this series ending but feel this book really did them all justice, I liked the cameos from Castle Street friends and love that there is always that nod to previous stories in other series.  I will miss them all and wish I could go visit though – for goodies and seals if nothing else.

Great writing as always by Jessica Redland, a go to author for great settings and loveable characters.

Looking forward to what is coming next!

 

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.

Social Media Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004465368404

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JessicaRedland

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

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jessica-redland

The Last Party at Silverton Hall - Rachel Burton

 

A gripping and heartbreaking tale of family, duty and the secrets we keep from those we love most. Perfect for fans of Rachel Hore, Lorna Cook and Kathryn Hughes.

Two women. Two centuries. A life-changing night...

1952: Vivien and Max collide in the thick London smog. Within a few years, their whirlwind romance sees them living a quiet life on the Norfolk coast, blissfully happy with their beautiful daughter – at least, that's how it appears...

2019: Isobel is hoping for a fresh start when she inherits her beloved grandmother Vivien's house in Silverton Bay. But when she discovers an old photograph of Vivien at one of the infamous parties held at Silverton Hall in the 1950s, Isobel is forced to question how well she really knew her grandmother. Silverton Hall is a place Vivien swore she never went and never would – but why would she lie? And what other secrets was she keeping?

Together with an old friend, Isobel searches for answers. But is she prepared for the truth?

'I was absolutely transported to Silverton Bay... I loved it and wanted to savour every page.' Kathleen McGurl

My Review:

Enchanted by this story from start to finish. I think a combination of setting and characters won me over and I was reluctant to put it down!

I think for a dual timeline to work, both elements have to be captivating, whether by character or storyline but this was written perfectly, the “older” timeline playing out in clever ways, hinting at what was to come, drip feeding tasty titbits. I was fully investing in both stories, although they are both part of one. Vivien and Isobel are both strong women in difficult or uncomfortable circumstances. Vivien promised one life but presented with something she never anticipated; Isobel finding herself at a point where she can reassess her life and reconnect with those she holds close in her heart.

A beautiful story of secrets, choices and opportunities; it highlights the importance of being honest, open and willing to see things from another point of view.

With great writing, strong and likeable characters. I wishes it continued on a little longer; a must read for fiction fans. 

Praise for Rachel Burton:

'Enticing and atmospheric... Packed with love and mystery that will keep you wanting more from the first page to the last' Lauren North, author of Safe at Home

'A wonderful escape... I adored the characters, the headiness of their first loves, and vulnerabilities as they hoped for their own happily-ever-afters'  Jenny Ashcroft

'With her signature nostalgia, swoon-worthy hero and wistful setting, this is a romance to whisk you away any time of the year' Victoria Cooke

About Rachel:

 Rachel Burton has been making up stories for as long as she can remember and always dreamed of being a writer until life somehow got in the way. After reading for a degree in Classics and another in English Literature she accidentally fell into a career in law, but eventually managed to write her first book on her lunch breaks. She loves words, Shakespeare, tea, The Beatles, dresses with pockets and very tall romantic heroes (not necessarily in that order) and lives with her husband in Yorkshire. Find her on Instagram and Twitter @RachelBWriter

Follow Rachel:

On Twitter: @RachelBWriter

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rachelburton74

On Instagram: @rachelbwriter

Follow Aria:

On Twitter: @AriaFiction

On Instagram: @headofzeus

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AriaFiction/

#TheLastPartyAtSilvertonHall

Buy links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Last-Party-Silverton-Hall-ebook/dp/B0B3SCGXYF/

Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-last-party-at-silverton-hall/rachel-burton/9781803287256

Where we belong - Sarah Bennett

 

On paper, Hope Travers has an idyllic life.

Living in a bustling farmhouse with her mum, aunt and uncles, cousin and too many dogs to count, surrounded by the breath-taking Cotswolds countryside, she knows she is privileged and protected.

But all families have secrets, and the Travers family are no exception. Their farmhouse sits in the grounds of the Juniper Meadows estate, passed down through the generations and now being made to pay its own way with a myriad of businesses and projects. When a construction crew uncover what appear to be historical ruins, the history of the Travers family is put under ever closer scrutiny as a dig gets underway.

Hope may have found a blossoming romance with local archaeologist Cameron Ferguson who is running the dig, but when things start to go wrong around the estate and family secrets begin to be revealed, Hope wonders if she’s made a big mistake in digging up the past.

My Review:

I had high hopes for this new series from Sarah Bennett and this is a brilliant start. I adored Mermaids Point so was excited to see where we would be next. Juniper Meadows sounds great, I love the idea of some big estate and already can sense there is so much to explore and discover. There are some lovely characters (and already one I could happily not see again) that have created some interesting relationships I am keen to see develop. I wonder what will play out, who will find love etc. 
With family secrets, historic finds, romance and drama; I feel like there is much more to come and I couldn’t be happier. I am already intrigued and love the quirky characters. 
A nicely paced, calm read that pulls you in from the start, I loved the historic element and wonder if more will come from that. I have high hopes for Cameron and Hope, will there romance be a short term or something long lasting? Will any further secrets be uncovered affecting the lives of the family?
A lovely read, realistic and with characters that are believable and interesting. I will look forward to the next!

Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3jQEYqg

Author Bio:

Sarah Bennett is the bestselling author of several romantic fiction trilogies including those set in Butterfly Cove and Lavender Bay. Born and raised in a military family she is happily married to her own Officer and when not reading or writing enjoys sailing the high seas. 

Social Media Links:

Facebook: Sarah Bennett Author | Facebook

Twitter: Sarah Bennett (@Sarahlou_writes) / Twitter

Instagram: Sarah Bennett (@sarahlbennettauthor) • Instagram photos and videos

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

Bookbub profile: Sarah Bennett Books - BookBub

Healing Hearts at Bumblebee Barn - Jessica Redland

 

Welcome to Bumblebee Barn, home to wonderful animals, stunning views and spectacular sunsets - and resident young farmer, Barney.

While Barney loves his life at Bumblebee Barn - a farm that has been in his family for generations - he's struggling to find someone to share it with. The early mornings quad biking through muddy fields and the long hours looking after the crops and animals are proving to be a deterrent to finding love.

So when his sister, Fizz - desperate for Barney to find his soulmate - sees an advert for Love on a Farm, a new reality TV show to help farmers find love, he has nothing to lose by applying. Afterall, he isn't meeting anyone suitable down the traditional route and surely he won't be picked anyway...?

Thrown into the chaos of reality TV, Barney could never have expected that his whole life would be turned upside down, with buried secrets to be uncovered and his heart on the line. With his family and friends rooting for him, could the magic of Bumblebee Barn heal his broken heart and help him find love on the farm?

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3Nq8mOD

My Review:

A new book by Jessica Redland? COUNT ME IN! As a fan of her books I couldn’t wait to meet some fantastic new characters but was thrilled at a sneaky cameo from some old favourites too! 

 

Typical of any book by Jessica Redland, this story pulled me in, dented my heart a little but fully restored it by the end. A full range of emotions, lots of ups and downs within this tale of looking for love and following your heart. With some great, lovable characters and some who are just downright awful, there’s a mixture of heart warming romance, comedy moments, along with sadness and righting old wrongs.  

 

Barney is such a great character, lovable, true to himself  and getting to know him better was a joy. Fans of Hedgehog Hollow may recognise him as the brother of Fizz. Looking for love on a TV show isn’t what you’d typically expect of a farmer and this doesn’t end up being your typical dating show.

 

Amber is TV producer extraordinaire, who is confident and takes no fools.Having to work with people who have caused trouble in the past is a challenge, but one she takes on. Her chemistry with Barney is instant but she wants to concentrate on finding him love with a contestant that is more his type.

 

A charming story, full of heart and emotion, everything I have come to expect from a Jessica Redland book. I couldn’t put it down and think for fans, it’ll be like picking up a favourite, cosy blanket. For readers new to Jessica, you have a glorious selection of books to discover after this!

 

Highly recommended! 

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.

Social Media Links 

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JessicaRedland

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

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jessica-redland

Your place or mine? Portia Macintosh

 

Your Place or Mine?

Two reluctant housemates. One question: Is this your place or mine...?

When Serena is kicked out of her flat, an offer from her friend, Taylor, to house sit for her while she and her husband go travelling could not be better timing. But unfortunately for Serena she’s not the only one to have received this offer…

Enter Ziggy: arrogant, messy (and annoyingly handsome) musician, and friend of Taylor’s husband. Living with him is far from ideal, especially when he claims the best room, has loud parties - and the least said about his kitchen manner the better...

There's just one solution for Serena – drive him out of the house by being twice as difficult to live with than he is! But Ziggy knows Serena's game and as war ensues between them, being forced together under one roof may result in some unexpected consequences…

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3fm70bl

My Review

Fantastic to be kickstarting my blog this year with an author I enjoy time after time! What a blast this book was, I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. There is drama, fun, mischief and a true enemies to lovers trope that makes books like this so much fun to read. 

Serena is an interesting character, but one I instantly liked and was rooting for. She just has no luck and it all seems to happen at once for her. When we meet Ziggy, well it’s clear there’s a spark but crikey me they go head to head it trying to wind the other up. Of course, this leads to lots of fun, laughs for us reading but the inevitable romance. Loved how it played out, enjoyed how other characters adding more comedic elements. You have got quite the villain of the piece, a creep of a boyfriend but all isn’t as it seems and Serenas  attempts at outing him are hilarious despite how hurt she must feel. 

Written in true Portia style, it was well paced and entertaining. I know what to expect from Portias books and I wasn’t disappointed by this latest book. As always I look forward to reading  more. 

Author Bio – 

Portia MacIntosh is the bestselling author of over 20 romantic comedy novels. From disastrous dates to destination weddings, Portia’s romcoms are the perfect way to escape from day to day life, visiting sunny beaches in the summer and snowy villages at Christmas time. Whether it’s southern Italy or the Yorkshire coast, Portia’s stories are the holiday you’re craving, conveniently packed in between the pages.

Formerly a journalist, Portia has left the city, swapping the music biz for the moors, to live the (not so) quiet life with her husband and her dog in Yorkshire.

Social Media Links –  

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PortiaMacIntosh

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

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/portia-macintosh