Book Review - Wish You Were Here by Alex Brown

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Amazon UK

Title: Wish You Were Here

Author: Alex Brown

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 10th April 2025

Rating: 4 Stars

Deedee Merriman loves her job running a travel agency but with turnover down and a big birthday fast approaching she’s thinking about the next chapter of her life and the changes she wants to make.

Determined to stay vibrant and keep a youthful outlook on life she invites her friends, Gina and Rosie to celebrate with her in New York, one of her favourite places and where she feels closest to her late husband, Joe.

On arrival, there’s a surprise, secret gift in store for Deedee of a small, ramshackle beach house in the beautiful Hamptons where Joe spent his childhood. But the house isn’t the only secret and discovering the truth will change everything….

Wish You Were Here is an emotional, romantic story about female friendship and finding love after loss in the city that never sleeps and the sand dunes with stunning sunsets of the Hamptons.

What a truly lovely book this was. 

I really enjoyed catching back up with Deedee, Gina and Rosie, as they come together to celebrate Deedee's 70th birthday in New York. 

Little do they know their trip is going to distracted by surprises beyond the grave by Joe who must have been the world's best man. From memories of him, and just what he had planned for Deedee, it's clear he was a gentleman, a romantic and all around good guy. 

It's good to see how the friends are all dealing with various things in their own lives, and just how much Deedee develops and changes over the course of this trip to New York.  It was great to see her zest for life getting stronger the whole time. 

This was such an enjoyable story, and I loved Rosie's enthusiasm for hoping to see all the places made famous by movies.  And I loved the descriptions of McDreamy too! 

This is a gorgeous story, and a joy to have read. 

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

Book Review - The Lighthouse Daughters of Puffin Island by Christie Barlow - #HolidayReading Tenerife

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Title: The Lighthouse Daughters of Puffin Island

Author: Christie Barlow

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 28th February 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

A blast from her past…

Having narrowly avoided losing everything to her romance scammer ex, artist Delilah Waters is done with men and focused entirely on her quest to buy Puffin Island’s magical lighthouse. It’s a crucial piece of her own family’s history and the perfect space to turn into her home. But then Max Harrington walks through her door.

…puts her future in question.

Her feelings for her former art teacher might have been forbidden at the time, but now he’s back, and single, and there’s no denying that the attraction is mutual! But when something seems too good to be true, it normally is, and Dilly soon makes a shocking discovery that changes everything for her and Max. Now she’ll have to call upon the same fortitude as her beloved lighthouse if she’s to weather the storm headed her way…

OMG Christie Barlow has done it again. and written a totally unputdownable, completely devourable book, that I couldn't' get enough of. 

I am absolutely adoring this new Puffin Island series so far, catching up with recurring characters and meeting new ones. 

And this is a book that opens with high drama that had me instantly intrigued and drawn in, and that ends with me almost in tears at such a gorgeous ending. 

In between we have even more fabulousness, as Dilly and Max start to get to know each other. 

This is a very moving and poignant story in places, while being heartwarming and addictive in others.  I just can't get enough of any of these characters.  Just brilliant. 

Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - The Paris Bookshop For The Broken-Hearted by Rebecca Raisin

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Amazon UK

Title: The Paris Bookshop For The Broken-Hearted

Author: Rebecca Raisin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher:  Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 3rd February 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

A heartwarming bookish romance from the bestselling author of Summer at the Santorini Bookshop, Rebecca Raisin!

Perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan, Eliza J. Scott and Lucy Score!

Coco is having a hell of a month. She’s lost her boyfriend and her business, been forced to uproot her daughter to move back in with her parents in Paris, and now an infuriatingly handsome stranger is yelling at her for acting like a tourist… Right underneath the Eiffel Tower.

Storming away from him – and swearing off men for life – she decides she’s going to take the first job that comes her way.

Then, as if fate hears her, later that day she stumbles into a little bookshop – but not any old bookshop. This one comes complete with a café, cocktail bar, reading room and secret tunnel of books, and just a little hint of magic in the air. So when Coco’s offered a job selling books there, it feels like the perfect fit.

There’s only one problem… propping up the bar in the bookshop is none other than the grumpy, gorgeous stranger she’d met earlier that day…

I am loving Rebecca Raisin's Paris set books and this was no exception. 

And its a must for book lovers, as what is better than a bookshop that appears to possibly mend broken hearts.  Or that broken hearted and lonely people seem to gravitate towards without even realising. 

Coco has moved back to Paris with teen daughter Eloise, after she is caught up in a scandal and needs to regroup.  However Eloise is not so happy about it, and her storyline is one that many teens would relate to, in addition to anyone that remembers that age of their own lives. 

Coco stumbles across this bookshop and is offered a job there, so long as she can control the rather unruly bookclub - which I'm fairly sure have featured in one of the authors books before (at least they seemed so familiar to me that I have to believe that or I'm rather confused). 

Coco also keeps running into Henri, who I really took too. He's gorgeous, bookish and some of the dialogue between them is hilarious, although after their first few meetings she is less sure about him. 

I loved everything about this book, and it really made my heart sing as I read it.  Another Parisian masterpiece from this talented author. 

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

Book Review - Over The Sea To Skye by Sue Moorcroft - #HolidayReading Tenerife

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Amazon UK

Title: Over The Sea To Skye

Author: Sue Moorcroft

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: 5th June 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

One summer on a beautiful island could change everything…

Valentina Taylor's life has been upended. With her marriage over, and unsure of what her future holds, she heads to the Isle of Skye for the summer with her young son, Barnaby.

But the journey there sets her on a new path, when she meets Xander Courage on the train – a charming American, running from problems of his own. After sparks fly, they go their separate ways. But on this small island, they’re never far from one another…

Skye offers Valentina the refuge she needs as she whiles away the long summer days at her beachside cottage, enjoying visits from her sisters, Thea and Ezzie. But when bad news from home throws her Scottish idyll into turmoil, Valentina finds herself pulled away from the place – and people – that she loves.

Valentina knows she must confront her heart’s desires – but can she let go of the past and embrace the future she deserves?

Lose yourself in a heartfelt story of second chances, love, and self-discovery, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Isle of Skye. Perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan and Karen Swan.

How good was it to be back on the Isle of Skye and with the Wynter sisters again. 

I felt right at home in this book very quickly, and it was wonderful getting to know Valentina and her son Barnaby a whole lot better. 

While catching up with everyone from the previous two books. 

And Valentina who is just on Skye for the the summer, is hoping for a nice peaceful break to regroup before knowing she needs to move on with her life. 

But between chance meetings of Americans on the train from Inverness, to a horrible accident involving her ex-husband, there is a whole lot going on for her suddenly, and I really felt for her being pulled in various directions. 

And add in all of that she discovers messages from a DNA site,  which throw her into turmoil too. 

This is one action packed summer, with plenty to keep a reader entertained with.  I was totally enjoying all of it and thought it was a lovely way to end this trilogy.  

Excellent writing as always from Sue Moorcroft, and a joy to read. 

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

Book Review - Hope Street by Mike Gayle

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Amazon UK

Title: Hope Street

Author: Mike Gayle

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Publication Date: 6th February 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

Lila Metcalfe is a trainee journalist in Derby and she's very used to being given the stories that no one else wants. So, when her editor tells her that the city's Cossington Park development is being held up by a solitary resident on Hope Street who is refusing to leave, she knows she is going to be the one sent to find out more. And that's how she meets Connor.

Twenty-something Connor is the sole resident of Hope Street and he is not at all what Lila is expecting. And he has a very clear reason not to move: he is waiting for his mum to come home.

Wow. I think Mike Gayle may actually be getting even more impressive with each book and I've read almost all of his so I am a massive fan. 

The last quarter of the book I devoured, so completely absorbed by it, that my mum got worried I hadn't responded to her messenger message so 20 mins later decided to ring me to check I was still alive! - I was and was rather annoyed that she had interrupted a key point in the story. 

From the moment we meet Connor, I was intrigued. He just wants to stay in the house he has lived in his whole life, and hope that his mother who disappeared 3 years ago, will come back and can find him in their house.

But the council just needs him out so they can demolish the whole street as part of a new development project. 

Lila, who is a local journalist discovers this and makes it her mission to try to get some answers for Connor.  And in doing so gets to know his best friend Marcus very well too. 

There are many ups and downs in this book but at the heart of it, is a commentary on who society treats someone who is just a bit different.  Connor is a lovely person and doesn't deserve to be treated how he is by many a fair few over the course of the story.  

Thankfully he does have a lot of people on his side too, even if they all think there is no hope of his mother ever returning.  

This is such a heartwarming and tear jerking book. It's an absolute delight to read, and I couldn't get enough of Lila, Connor and Marcus.

Completely and utterly brilliant. 

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

Book Review - I Did Warn Her by Sian Gilbert

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Amazon UK

Title: I Did Warn Her

Author: Sian Gilbert

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Penguin

Publication Date: 3rd July 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

WHEN THERE'S BLOOD IN THE WATER, A FEEDING FRENZY IS SURE TO FOLLOW . . .

The Ophelia is your typical superyacht: luxurious, owned by a ruthless billionaire and staffed by crew who have just one job: keep the guests happy, whatever it takes. Sasha is the latest hire on a week-long Atlantic crossing, and she fits right in. In fact, she could be mistaken for any of the stewardesses: tall, blonde and model gorgeous.

But despite its sleek opulence, the Ophelia isn’t as heavenly as it seems. And when one of the stewardesses is found dead after a night of partying, all eyes turn to Sasha. But she’s not the only one with something to hide and below deck, nothing stays hidden for long.

Endlessly twisty and delightfully voyeuristic, I Did Warn Her is a whodunnit on the high seas, where the dark secrets of the ultra-wealthy have nowhere to hide.

Wow, this drew me in instantly and I was hooked throughout. 

The short sharp chapters made it very easy to whizz through, and even having chapters focusing on all the various stewardesses, who all look identical as per the owner's preferences, it's made quite easy to tell whose chapter it is as they do have distinct personalities.  We also get to focus on one of the guests on board and Jasmine is one of my favourite characters. 

I also love Sasha the new junior stew, who is running away from life, and thought working on a superyacht would be just the ticket.  Well until things start to go wrong, as no matter how big, sleek and shiny the Ophelia looks, internally well it's not great. 

There are things going missing, including staff, and not just this charter season either. 

I absolutely love a thriller based on a super yacht and this was no exception. I had no idea what was going to happen next, or who the killer was, but one this is for sure this is one super bitchy crew and no one seems to really get along with anyone else. 

This is definitely where you end up keeping your enemies close, and where all the normal rules go out the window once you are out at sea. 

With a final quarter that had me unable to look away, unable to do anything than keep reading as the drama ramps up. I was never sure how it would end and I am so glad I have now discovered this author. I was totally enthralled by every aspect of this book. 

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

Book Review - A Cornish Love Story by Cressida McLaughlin

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Amazon UK

Title: A Cornish Love Story

Author: Cressida McLaughlin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: 19th June 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

The most romantic house in Cornwall has got a new owner…

Journalist Georgie Monroe has watched as it has been transformed into a high-tech glass palace, renovated by a mystery buyer.

When she’s invited to report on an event there, she comes face to face not only with her first love, architect Ethan Sparks, but also with their complicated past. Finding themselves trapped inside when the house malfunctions, Georgie realises that they — and the house — are still keeping secrets.

But have Georgie and Ethan left it too late to start again, or can they write the next chapter of their love story together?

This is Cressida McLaughlin at her very best. 

And it also raises very good talking points about AI and how dangerous a smart house could potentially be.

After all Georgie goes to the open house to see the newly designed house that was originally the inspiration for her favourite books of all time, and that played a big part in her life as a teenager too - she definitely wasn't expecting to end up trapped in it overnight, with Ethan. 

Ah Ethan, who she had an intense romance with when she was 18, her first love, and then things went sour. She hasn't seen him in many years, but he is the architect of this revamped house. 

Told in two timelines of present day, and that summer that they were together, we get to know Ethan, Georgie, their friends and family and see just what happened back then. 

I loved the high tech nature of the house, just how key this building is in both timelines. It's a gorgeous romance that also includes a love story (Georgie will explain the difference between them when you read it).  

I love this author and I was totally absorbed in the pages of this book. I had a great time devouring this story and am always eager to see what she will write next. 

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

Book Review - What Kind Of Mother by Anna-Lou Weatherley - #HolidayReading Tenerife

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Title: What Kind of Mother

Author: Anna-Lou Weatherley

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication Date: 8th January 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

My son and his girlfriend stand there, two terrified teenagers shivering in the doorway, and say the unthinkable. ‘I think we killed someone.’ Now, I have to decide exactly what kind of mother I am…

Everything changes in a heartbeat the night Conor and his girlfriend Paris Levinson come to us begging for help, their clothes spattered with blood. They say it was an accident, that they were in the wrong place at the wrong time…

A mother’s intuition is never wrong, and I know there is more they aren’t telling us. But Paris’ mother Helen and I have to make a choice that will change all of our lives. Do we tell the truth, and risk losing our children forever? Or do we lie to keep them safe?

We will do anything to protect our children, but one wrong move could cost us everything. Lying to the police was a risk, and now Helen is acting more unpredictable by the day – turning up at my house unannounced, harassing my husband, telling lies about my past…

The only way to save my family is to uncover the truth about that night. I’m convinced the answers lie hidden inside the Levinsons’ house. I’d do anything for Conor, but am I prepared for what I might find behind locked doors? But when your son is in danger, you find out what kind of mother you are…

Anyone who loved Lisa Jewell, Gillian Flynn and The Housemaid will be absolutely blown away by the rollercoaster ride of emotions in this gripping psychological thriller! A totally twisted page-turner guaranteed to keep you up all night turning the pages.

Totally unpredictable

Totally brilliant

Immensley enjoyable

This is a story where you can discover just how far a parent is prepared to protect their child. 

I'm not really sure either family dealt with things the right way, but it certainly made for a far more interesting story. 

There are multiple moral dilemmas present within these pages, and its certainly a story that makes you think. 

And its always good to catch up with Dan Riley and his team again, and I really do like his integrity and determination. 

There are so many layers of lies and secrets that it was at times a bit tricky to keep on top of, but ultimately let to a  fabulous finale. 

Loved every second of this. 

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

Book Review - The Catch by Amy Lea - #HolidayReading Tenerife

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Amazon UK

Title: The Catch

Author: Amy Lea

Format reviewed: Ebook 

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Penguin

Publication Date: 13th February 2024

Rating: 4 Stars

In a last ditch attempt to rescue her brand from the brink of irrelevance, fashion influencer Melanie Karlsen finds herself in a rural fishing village on the east coast of Canada. The only thing scarier than nature itself? Burly fisherman Evan Whaler - who single-handedly disproves the theory that canadians are 'nice'.

After a boating incident lands Evan in the hospital, Mel is mistaken for his fiancee by his welcoming yet quirky family. And, in exchange for Evan's help with her social media content, Mel agrees to fake their engagement for just. one. week.

But reeling in their budding feelings for each other proves more difficult than expected.

Is Mel willing to sacrifice her picture-perfect life in the city for a chance at true love in the wild?

Ooh I do love a small town romance, and this definitely gave those vibes and more.  Add in fake dating and grumpy to sunshine tropes too, and you have an incredibly enjoyable story. 

I loved getting to know Mel and Evan, as they are thrown together due to circumstances,  They are total opposites, but yet there is just something about their potential pairing that made me smile. 

Set in  a small Canadian town, there are a lot of fish and fishermen present, and even more plaid! 

I loved getting to know the members of Evan's family, and seeing how Mel slowly starts to change over her time in a fake relationship with him .

And I loved the reasoning behind the fake engagement too. 

This it the first book I've read by this author and it certainly wont' be the last either. 

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

Book Review - Someone In The Water by Sarah Clarke - #HolidayReading Tenerife

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Amazon UK

Title: Someone In The Water

Author: Sarah Clarke

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: 3rd July 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

A gripping new destination thriller, perfect for fans of Lucy Clarke, TM Logan and Catherine Cooper.

My only child Lola is turning eighteen soon, but I won’t be with her. For two weeks every year, I hide myself away while I endure the nightmares that haunt me around her birthday.

Because she can never know the truth – that I am plagued by terrible visions from the summer I spent in Corsica when I was eighteen. It ended in tragedy, and I have never forgiven myself for the part I played.

But my world is about to fall apart all over again.

Lola calls to tell me she’s not with her friends in Cyprus, but alone in Corsica. I have no choice. I have to go back to the island and bring her home.

But as I revisit the memories, see the same faces again, I start to wonder if there was more to the events of that summer than I realised. Are there others keeping secrets just like me? Ones that are even more deadly…

Totally unputdownable, this book had me completely hooked from the first to the last page. 

I learnt a lot about the Mazzeri legend of Corsica, and also think this may be the first time I have thought anything about water skiing since I was possibly a kid seeing a small bit on TV once. 

So between an island setting that interested me, water sports that aren't the most featured anywhere, and a summer to forget this is rather intriguing. 

Especially once Lola decides to start asking questions and wants to discover the truth of that horrible summer all those years ago for the sake of her mother's mental health. 

I loved hearing how everything unfolded, and really was unsure to know who to believe.  I was loving every second of this book, it hit all the right notes for me. 

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