Book Review - And Then There Was You by Miranda Dickinson

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Title: And Then There Was You

Author: Miranda Dickinson

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ

Publication Date: 28th August 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

Two lonely people. One song to change their lives…

Merryn Rowe adores her life in St Ives. The café she owns and the community she serves are her much-needed second chance after a heart-breaking divorce. But as she gazes out at the Cornish Sea, she begins to long for more.

Zach Trevelyan is not where he expected to be. His surfing career in tatters following an injury, he finds himself in St Ives without a home, a job, or a path ahead.

When Merryn discovers an abandoned piano, it evokes long-lost memories of someone who left her life without a word – her much-loved stepfather. Impulsively, she gives the piano a home in the courtyard of her café. And late one night, when a familiar song comes through her window, Merryn discovers a striking man huddled at the piano.

Who exactly is the midnight musician? And why can’t she stop thinking about him…and his beautiful melody?

It's always a great pleasure to sit down with a brand new Miranda Dickinson novel and this was a particular joy. 

Set in St. Ives, I would say that Merlin is the central character to the whole story, and yet he is an inanimate object. But one that infuses memories and longing and hope wherever he ends up! 

Merryn is the one that saves Merlin from an uncertain future, and sets him up in the courtyard of her cafe, and it's this which leads to her both stepping up the search for someone that was in her past, and also to opening up in the evenings too, thus growing her business. 

She has a few other key men in her life, best friend Seth and newcomer Zach.  We get chapters from Zach's point of view and I fell for him really quickly, although at times I was wishing he thought more!  

I was totally enchanted by the story being told between these pages, and while I was reading on the tube on my way, I was shocked at how many stations I had no idea we had stopped at, as I was totally absorbed in the story. 

There is romance, there is friendship, there is a wonderful pregnant character, there's music, baked goods (ok loads of baked goods), surfing, and even at one point I had a lump in my throat at the emotion of a moment took over. 

I love these characters, and also loved the recurring friendly faces from Somewhere Beyond the Sea, which as a fan of the author I always like to see old characters pop up! 

Utterly fabulous and perhaps one of my favourite books from this always talented author. 

Thank you to HQ and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily, 

Book Review - The Floating Amsterdam Flower Shop by Annabel French

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Title: The Floating Amsterdam Flower Shop

Author: Annabel French

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: 19th June 2025

Rating: 4 Stars

One fresh start. One unexpected encounter. Can love bridge the gap?

When Rosie leaves behind her ordinary life in England to open a flower shop on Amsterdam’s water, she expects nothing less than a fairytale.

Max, her handsome but brooding new neighbour, prefers to keep the world at arm’s length – and living on the houseboat next door, he’s not too thrilled about the new company.

As Rosie’s business blossoms, so do her feelings for Max. But Rosie isn't sure she's ready for a relationship, and Max is still nursing a broken heart.

Then a rival in the flower market threatens her dreams, Rosie discovers that the most beautiful things can bloom when you learn to go with the flow – and allow someone to stand by your side.

Will Rosie and Max allow themselves to be swept away by love, or is their relationship doomed to sink before it can swim?

A fun, feel-good romance that will whisk you away to Amsterdam's picturesque canals. Perfect for fans of Julie Caplin, Rebecca Raisin, and Cressida McLaughlin.

I can't believe it has taken me this long to finally read a book by Annabel French (or any of her other pen names).  There was absolutely no way I was going to be able resist reading this book with its gorgeous cover, and implication that it is set abroad. 

For I love a destination book, and this is certainly that, as we get to see sides of Amsterdam that a regular tourist may not see, and I was all for it. 

Rosie is an impulsive character, is brimming with positivity and moves to Amsterdam on a whim, with the aim of getting a pitch at the famous floating flower market. And she does this without a proper plan, rents a houseboat which isn't in the best of conditions and discovers things may not be as simple as she hoped. 

Before long she makes friends at the market and even manages to get more than one word answers out of Max her grumpy neighbour. 

I loved all of the characters, and Rosie's love of flowers and plants is catching. She is just such a positive ray of light, and is always there for her friends. She is who I'd love to be! 

I was enchanted by every moment of this story, it was highly enjoyable and I'm looking forward to more books in this series. 

Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Summer Escapes on the Scottish Isle by Lilac Mills

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Title: Summer Escapes on the Scottish Isle

Author: Lilac Mills

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Canelo

Publication Date: 17th July 2025

Rating: 4 Stars

Will she give everything up for love?

Freya Sinclair has it all. An exciting life in London, a successful career as a ceramicist and a handsome boyfriend. But when she receives a call that her father is in hospital, she drops everything to support his recovery in Skye.

On the island, Freya finds new inspiration – Coorie Castle’s craft centre is firing her creativity and she’s glad to be back with her dad again. Being so close to her schoolgirl crush, Mackenzie Burns, is an added bonus. The two share an instant connection and Freya misses London less and less.

But Freya has a boyfriend at home and now a dazzling job offer in New York. She must figure out what she truly wants, before anyone gets hurt.

A heartwarming, feel-good cosy romance perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan, Julie Shackman and Sue Moorcroft.

I am loving this Coorie Castle Crafts series.  It's just such a great setting for a series of books, on the island of Skye. 

And although a familiar location with some recurring characters from the previous book, this felt entirely different, as Freya is only back on the island as her father has had a fall. 

She decides she will stay with him until he is back to full mobility which leads to some clashes. She also reconnects with Mack, although she does in theory have a boyfriend back in London.  She's not really looking for anything, but is happy with friendship. 

I enjoyed seeing Freya and reconnecting with some of the other crafters. And Mhairi is fabulous once again too! 

This is just so enjoyable, such a heartwarming and cosy sort of a read. I loved Mack, his boat trips, how he is with Freya's dad and just everything about him.  Whereas I had nothing but contempt for Hadrian. 

Learning more about ceramics was also fascinating, and I would have loved to have seen some of Freya's creations. 

An incredibly pleasurable book to read that left me with a smile on my face. 

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - The Retirement Plan by Sue Hincenbergs

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Title: The Retirement Plan

Author: Sue Hincenbergs

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Sphere

Publication Date: 1st May 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

Their husbands are driving them mad, and murder is on their minds . . . but the men have a plan of their own.

Pam, Nancy and Shalisa once imagined retirement would mean setting aside their worries, picking up their margaritas, and lying back in a hot tub. Right up until their husbands lost all their savings in a reckless investment.

Now, collecting their husbands' life insurance is starting to sound more appealing than growing old with them. But enlisting the help of the local barber/hitman isn't merely the most daring thing the friends have ever done - it's also where the trouble really begins.

Because they don't realise their husbands have some tricks up their sleeves. And there's no turning back now . . .

From the first laugh to the final twist, The Retirement Plan is full of characters who will steal your heart while plotting their dark deeds.

Oh this was just brilliant and so entertaining. 

And I'm utterly surprised that it was a debut novel, it was just that good and accomplished. 

We have husbands hiring hitmen to protect themselves after one of their group dies, after all they are all hiding something major. 

We have wives plotting to kill husbands. 

There is a double dipping hitman with a fair bit of humanity too. 

Add in a dog, a lot of assumptions, a boss that is having to deal with a matchmaker and a mother, while trying to prove herself, and all sorts of miscommunications - and you have the recipe for one incredibly amusing, dark and twisted and just all around addictive book. 

I read this in one sitting, totally hooked on all the various goings on.  For the second we think we know exactly what is happening, something else is revealed and the truths as you know them are developed further with more layers. 

I think what is fairly safe to say is that Pam, Nancy and Shalisa are not totally happy in their marriages, and that all of their husbands are total schmucks! 

And to make this even better, the main characters, all good friends, are in their sixties.  This is golden age crime plotting at its very best. It's amusing and addictive and just an all around great read. 

Thank you to Sphere and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - The Wisteria Crescent Chronicles by Kate Forster

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Title: The Wisteria Crescent Chronicles 

Author: Kate Forster

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Orion

Publication Date: 24th April 2025 

Rating: 4 Stars

It is a truth universally acknowledged... that a widowed woman in possession of a large Georgian home but no money for tea or toilet paper must find a creative solution.

For 70-year-old Marion Gaynor, the answer lies in opening her doors-and her heart-to two unexpected housemates: Felicity Booth, a brilliant but frazzled PhD student, balancing research and the chaos of academia, and Lana Rolls, newly separated and searching for a fresh start.

Together, these three women discover that friendship blooms in the unlikeliest of places, and the bonds they form will change their lives forever.

Readers will love this cosy, uplifting tale of unexpected friendship, set in the picturesque city of Bath, filled with charm and whimsy. Perfect for fans of Helen Rolfe, Heidi Swain and Philippa Ashley.

What a charming story this was.

I loved seeing the friendship develop between Marion, Felicity and Lana, all women at different stages in the lives, but all in need of a friend, a place to live and as we get to know them, we discover there are similarities between their personal situations too. 

I loved seeing how all three of these women spread their wings and went on such wonderful journeys throughout the book. 

Marion is in her 70s and has decided to rent out the other rooms in her house, despite her daughter pressuring her to sell the property. Lana is escaping a marriage that has gone very sour, and Felicity is rather studious and not enjoying life in the halls of residence and wants to somewhere more peaceful to live. 

All three are on very different trajectories but yet an instant friendship between the new housemates strikes up.  There are romantic threads in the story but they are definitely secondary to the themes of friendship and moving on with your life and escaping bad situations themes. 

This was a lovely gentle read that left me with a warm fuzzy feeling. 

Thank you to Orion and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Garden of Bones by M. A. Comley

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Title: Garden of Bones

Author: M. A. Comley

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Jeamel Publishing Limited

Publication Date: 15th June 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

Some secrets refuse to stay buried…

When a skeleton is unearthed beneath an old rose bed on a once-grand estate, DI Sally Parker and DS Lorne Warner are pulled into a case unlike any they’ve faced before. But as forensic analysis reveals a chilling truth - the investigation takes a dark turn - the bones belong to multiple victims.

With whispers of long-forgotten disappearances and hidden betrayals, Sally and Lorne must untangle a web of lies stretching back ten years. As they dig deeper, the past refuses to stay buried, and someone will do anything to keep their secrets hidden.

Because in this garden, the dead still have a story to tell…

What an intriguing case this latest one for DI Sally Parker and DS Lorne Warner proves to be. 

Over the course of the investigation we meet some rather vulnerable people that my heart totally went out to, and I loved the empathy that Sally and Lorne showed towards them. 

There are also some incredibly gruesome discoveries, that are described so vividly that I'm worried I may have nightmares tonight! 

I loved seeing how the case came together, I am always in awe of this team, and their ability to solve cold cases. From the first discovery of some bones, I was intrigued and couldn't get enough of seeing what would happen next. 

This is another fabulous addition to this brilliant series, from an author that I always love reading. 

Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Bad Influence by Rosie Nixon

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Amazon UK

Title: Bad Influence

Author: Rosie Nixon

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ

Publication Date: 14th August

Rating: 5 Stars

Crushing it online…crashing in real life

Following an eventful stint styling Manhattan’s elite, Amber Green is back in London and ready to style her biggest client yet.

Superstar influencer Mandy Sykes is all-American and all-wrong for her new Surrey surroundings. Desperate to endear herself to the British upper crust, and to win likes from a new fanbase, the brash celebrity tasks Amber with providing all the smoke and mirrors she might need.

With only twelve weeks to prove her worth – and to earn the bonus which will secure her dream flat with her steady boyfriend, Rob – Amber’s biggest challenge is to keep her flats firmly on the ground.

But when your new boss has a private life as colourful as her designer wardrobe, and a brother-in-law whose ridiculously good looks can’t help but catch your eye, it becomes hard to tell who’s a genuine influencer, and who is simply a bad influence…

It has been far too many years since I was last able to sit down with a book in the Amber Green series, so I was delighted to see this new release on the schedules. 

And the author hasn't lost any of her spark, this was so funny, and just an all around highly enjoyable read. 

It was great to catch up with Amber, and although I didn't remember everything from the previous books clearly, there are enough reminders to have made me feel at home fairly quickly back within this world.  I love Amber's outlook on life, and her attitude is very can do most of the time.  

There is also an overlying message within these pages, one that women especially everywhere should take heed - about body positivity, and learning to love yourself. 

As this is what Amber is trying to get her new personal stylist client, Mandy to do. She has been hired as part of her live in team for three months, and it's an interesting group of people that are trying to raise influencer Mandy's profile in the UK. 

The story feels a bit bonkers at times, its definitely light hearted and entertaining, and I was loving every second of it. 

I'm sorry to hear this is the end of the trilogy, I am hoping there may yet be more books, but get the feeling this may be the end based on the notes in the back matter. Either way, this was a wonderful book to read on a hot summer's day while skiving in the garden! 

Thank you to HQ and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge by Alison Sherlock

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Title: Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge

Author: Alison Sherlock

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 20th June 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

A family and hotel in desperate need of help…

Maple Tree Lodge Hotel has been home to the Jackson family for over a century. Following the sudden loss of his father, architect Ben Jackson discovers the hotel is close to financial ruin and if the hotel is to survive and his family are to keep a roof over their heads, tough decisions need to be made.

With the hotel in urgent need of a renovation, Ben’s sister enlists the talents of cash strapped, best friend and interior designer Lily Watson. Lily jumps at the chance to showcase her talents and to prove to herself and her high-achieving parents that she can carve herself a successful career doing what she loves.

However, Lily’s vision for a cosy, country Cotswolds hotel is the complete opposite to what Ben has in mind for a minimalistic, modern makeover and fireworks ensue!

Can they work together to save Maple Tree Lodge?

Can Lily help Ben and his family find a future together?

And can Ben show Lily that there's more to life than work?

As autumn begins to weave its magic spell, perhaps Lily will discover somewhere to finally call home and find a reason to stay ...

It's always a joy to read a new Alison Sherlock book, especially once that is the start of a new series.  And it was with even greater joy to discover it is set not too far from Cranbridge and her other series settings. 

To say I punched the air in joy when the first mention of the author's perennial favourite and totally disastrous character came into view.  Easily the author's most memorable character and delighted to see he is still about and potentially even still alive given his very chaotic nature!

Of course as I said this is the first book of a series and I promise it is a standalone, and a great start to a series, even if long term fans will see some familiar faces about. 

Maple Tree Lodge sounded amazing, and I would love to stay there myself.  With wonderful lakeside views, and surrounded by trees, it is just so tranquil and cosy. 

I really enjoyed getting to know Lily and Ben, and also their friends, who I feel may be present a fair bit in the rest of the series!   And the rest of Ben's family are brilliant too, and I especially loved Walter! 

This was such a relaxing book to sink into, it's gentle, it's warm, it made me smile a lot and was generally an all around enjoyable book.  

Bring on the next one! 

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Falling Overboard by Sariah Wilson

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Title: Falling Overboard

Author: Sariah Wilson

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Montlake

Publication Date: 18th March 2025

Rating: 4 Stars

Forbidden love on the sun-kissed Mediterranean. Regardless of the risks, it’s easy to get swept away in a breathtaking romance by Sariah Wilson, the USA Today bestselling author of Hypnotized by Love.

Lucky Salerno’s dream is to own a bakery. To earn enough money to achieve it, she has secured a lucrative job as chief stewardess on a superyacht cruising the Mediterranean. Aboard the ship, there’s one unbreakable rule: no hookups among the crew. No problem. The last thing Lucky has time for is a man. Then she meets Hunter Smith, the gorgeous new deckhand sharing her cabin. Is the universe trying to test her willpower?

Who needs the drama that comes with a relationship? Not Hunter. Who can ignore a witty, beautiful bunkmate like Lucky? Also not Hunter. There’s something just as enticing for Lucky: a tantalizing mystery behind Hunter’s piercing blue eyes she can’t wait to solve. But at what risk?

As they get to know each other, a secret romance buds at sea, and Lucky has to choose. Abide by the rules to make her career dreams come true, or pursue her love for Hunter—another dream that’s just as near to her heart.

What a puntastic story this was. 

I adore books set on Superyachts, and this was incredibly enjoyable. 

I really enjoyed my time spent with Lucky and Hunter. I was fairly confident about what Hunter's big secret was early on, and I totally and utterly fell for him. He's gorgeous, and is a surprisingly decent deck hand. 

Watching Lucky deal with her promotion to chief stew, with her staff not overly either pulling their weight or trying to ignore a brand new rule for the season, is painful, as she tries to avoid conflict even more than I do! 

This is a close encounter, forbidden sort of romance, where they have clear chemistry from their first meeting, and are both determined not to act on it. 

I had a great time reading this book, and will certainly keep my eyes out for more from this author. 

Thank you to Montlake and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Best Summer Ever by Heidi Swain - #HolidayReading Tenerife

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Title: Best Summer Ever

Author: Heidi Swain

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: 24th April 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

Summer is in full swing when Daisy drives back into Wynmouth in her almost-clapped-out car, having left both her most recent job and the man her parents thought she was going to marry. Coming home could be just what she needs to move her life on.  

At Wynbrook Manor, things are in disarray. Owner Algy isn’t getting any younger, and Daisy’s mum Janet, housekeeper at the manor, spends her days running around after him, while Daisy’s dad Robin, the gardener, has been let down by the person he had lined up to take care of the new cut-flower garden.

As Daisy tries to find her place at Wynbrook and in the village, she’s drawn to summer visitor Josh. But when he turns out to be not the person he appears to be, will the spark between them fizzle out? And with it, the chances of this turning into the best summer ever?

What a totally lovely character Daisy is. She has such a big heart and is always happy to help out her friends.

She is perhaps initially lacking some direction on her life, but returning to Wynbridge Manor and the family home, after a break up, may just be the best thing for her. 

Especially when she keeps bumping into Josh. 

There are loads of wonderful characters in this book, that has a multitude of sub plots within its pages. 

So much is going on, but yet its easy o follow. It's another joyous book from one of my favourite authors. 

I read this really quickly and already am looking forward to Heidi Swain's next book too as this was so enjoyable, I clearly need more of her words! 

Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.