Book Review - The Cottage on Strawberry Sands by Holly Martin - Blog Tour

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Title: The Cottage on Strawberry Sands

Author: Holly Martin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied Copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 11th April 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

Escape to the golden sands and glittering seas of Apple Hill Bay for a sizzling summer of love. From the bestselling author of Sunshine and Secrets at Blackberry Beach comes this gorgeously romantic tale.

They say there’s no place like home and for Roo Clarke this couldn’t be more true. Fourteen years ago she left the sparkling shores of Apple Hill Bay for America, leaving behind her childhood best friend Theo Lucas, and with him a piece of her heart. Nothing has felt right since then, and though she’s certain Theo has long since moved on from their hometown, Roo has high hopes that the exciting new job that’s brought her back here and the quirky beach hut she’ll make her own will fill her heart again.

But Theo hasn’t moved on, he’s right where Roo left him in Apple Hill Bay, and he’s even more gorgeous than Roo remembers. Fourteen years is a long time, but the secret crush she harboured as a teenager burns as intensely as if they’d never been apart. What if this is her chance to tell him how she really felt all those years ago? And what if he felt the same way? What if the lost years melted away, could they fall in love? Or could something unexpected ruin everything between them?

Step into the sunshine with this summer’s hottest love story, guaranteed to warm your heart and take your breath away. Perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan, Jill Mansell and Sue Moorcroft.

It's always a joy to dive straight into a new Holly Martin novel, and this was absolutely no exception. I felt right at home between the pages within the first chapter, and it just grew from there. 

I've just re-read the blurb and realised that just about everything I'd love to mention in this review, would be potentially regarded as a spoiler, so this will be tricky. 

But I loved the connection between Roo and Theo, right from when Roo walks back into town and discovers Theo is still there, and it's clear there is unfinished business between them. And getting to know them both was wonderful. 

It was lovely to be back in Apple Hill Bay, and to meet up with some familiar faces from the previous book too. 

Animal lovers will love this book, as there is a clear theme of wildlife and rescuing, and also publishing to do with pets, but I aren't stay any more other than, I couldn't get enough of these storylines.  There is also a plot to do with workplace rumours and relationships.  

There are every now and then amusing emails from the office manager, who seems far more concerned with petty quibbles with things going on in the office, than it actually being a good place to work. 

This has all of Holly Martin's trademark warmth, romantic flare and generally feel good feeling about it. Whether like me you are a massive fan of this author, or brand new to her, this is easily a fabulous book, and will leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling too! 

Everything I wanted it to be and more. 

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