Book Review - The Sunshine Sisters: Blossom by Rosie Green

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Title: The Sunshine Sisters: Blossom

Author: Rosie Green

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self published

Publication Date: 8th June 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

Blossom Sunshine's life is anything but boring right now. She's determined to finally solve the mystery of who her biological father is – despite Mum Ada putting a spanner in the works. What is Ada trying to hide? Meanwhile, best friend Billy is doing his best to impress Jenna. This means cutting back on the cakes and carbs that he loves, but Jenna's worth it. Isn't she?

And then there's Blossom's own love life, which has been a catalogue of disasters up till now – but that was before she met Trevor. He's not her usual type but she thinks maybe that's a good thing? Could this be real love at long last?

One thing's for certain – the path to her achieving her heart's desire looks anything but smooth!

Woah, what a sub trilogy these Sunshine Sisters books have been. This one takes you on a complete rollercoaster, as we finally have Blossom in the spotlight and if you have been following the previous two books, all I'll say is you do finally get answers. 

And they had me open mouthed in amazement as the truth is finally discovered.

In fact I'd say these three books have been wrapped up so well that if you are new to Rosie Green's writing, or The Little Duck Pond Cafe series, then starting at The Sunshine Sisters: Skye, the first of these three books, could be a fabulous place to start. 

Don't get me wrong I believe this can work as a standalone, but definitely feel you will be far more invested in the outcomes for a few of the characters, if you read all three books. 

It was wonderful to catch up with familiar faces, and I truly hope we see more of Blossom, Rori and Skye in future books of the series. 

Was just a fabulous story that I devoured in a couple of hours, while enjoying the sun in my garden.

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

Book Review - There's Something About Greece by Sue Roberts

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Title: There's Something About Greece

Author: Sue Roberts

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication Date: 15th June 2023

Rating: 4 Stars

The sun beams down on the golden sands of the Greek island of Crete, as couples fill the beach bars to enjoy a cocktail or two. But, will this be the year that Tania finds true love?

When twenty-nine-year-old Tania is invited to spend the summer with her aunt Judith on the stunning Greek island of Crete, she’s torn. She hasn’t been able to bring herself to travel since her last vacation romance utterly broke her heart. But she knows she can try to put the past behind her. Especially for her beloved aunt who is recovering from a small operation…

Taking in gorgeous views of the turquoise harbour and white beaches from the little village, Tania knows she made the right decision. It’s just what she needed – and zero men in sight! That is, until she goes for a refreshing dip in the crystal sea and handsome local Nicos bumps right into her. For a moment, Tania can’t help but be lost in his sparkling eyes… When he stays silent however, Tania draws back. She has too much on her plate to jump at the first Greek god she sees – especially one as grumpy and rude as Nicos!

So, when Nicos turns up at the door offering to help her aunt, and takes Tania’s hand as he apologises for their first meeting, it’s not just her racing pulse that catches Tania by surprise. And as he opens up about his own family, she sees the kind heart underneath his brooding and bronzed exterior. Could she be falling for him, and this beautiful island he calls home?

But when a secret about Nicos’s past comes to light, Tania knows the sun has set on her holiday in the sun. She’s certain it’s time to go home with her aunt. Until Nicos promises her the life of her dreams – if she would only stay in Crete. Now she must choose between the safety of her life back home or taking a chance on love. She can’t risk her heart on another holiday romance… can she?

You will be swept away to the golden sands of Greece in this gorgeous feel-good summer romance, full of love, laughter and new beginnings! Perfect for fans of Kate Frost, Jenny Colgan and My Mamma Mia Summer.

This is a lovely summer read, full of animals especially two incredibly lovely dogs that I had a real soft spot for, a gorgeous Greek guy and a whole lot of fun. 

I loved getting to know Tania and her aunt Judith, as well as all the other volunteers at this Greek animal rescue. 

It was  a joy to read, and I always love Sue Roberts descriptions of Greece and this was no exception. I felt transported to Crete and just really wish I had been able to read this in the sun myself. 

I loved how Tania was able to see how everyone else's lives could be improved but she couldn't initially work out what it is she really wanted to do, and whether she could trust her instincts. 

Always a pleasure to read a book from this author and this was no exception. 

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

Book Review - Close Knit by Jenny Colgan

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Title: Close Knit

Author: Jenny Colgan

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton 

Publication Date: 15th August 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

Everyone knows her life story.

But who will win her heart?

Gertie has always had her head in the clouds, wondering what her life might be like if she could only pluck up the courage to leave the remote Scottish island where she was born.

It's the only place she knows, but you can't do anything there without everyone knowing - the glue of this close-knit community is the Knitting Circle, a group of strong, capable and frankly nosy women who work hard, gossip, knit and support each other through thick and thin. At the centre of this sisterhood is Gertie's mum Jean and her grandmother Elspeth, and the three generations of women live together, surrounded by wool, in one small cottage.

When the chance comes to make changes - a new job working with old schoolfriend Morag on the local airline, new friends and even a possible new romance - a world of possibilities opens up before Gertie. Is this the way to make her dreams come true?

Fifteen million copies sold. A readership that spans the world. It's time to fall in love with Jenny Colgan.

I can never resist jumping into a new Jenny Colgan book, so this was barely on my kindle before I dived right in. 

And it didn't take me long to feel right at home within the pages of this story. It's set clearly in Jenny Colgan's Scotland, there are mentions of Mure (which will please fans of that series), and we also get a fair bit from Morag from The Summer Skies too. 

But it is a totally standalone story, having never really come across Gertie before, or Struan before who are our other main leads in addition to Morag. 

And Gertie who starts with her head in the clouds as an almost professional daydreamer, living a very sheltered sort of life that she seems to enjoy. But she is rather fed up with her bedroom being full with enough wool to open a shop with, and would love to move out of the family home. 

And as Gertie slowly lets the world in, the rewards are so great, and the more we see her grow, and turn into a really fabulous person. 

There is humour in the story, there is warmth, there is a whole deal of utterly unputdownable edge of the seat drama, and a lot more besides.  I was loving the community on this island and how many side characters had nice little storylines too. 

There is also as the title suggests, a great deal of knitting in this book, from the Knitting Circle (I'd argue a circle of gossips), to Gertie who even in stressful situations is able to pull out her knitting to calm down and focus her mind, this just adds to the warm and cosy nature of this book. 

I am loving these books featuring Morag, who is shaping up to be another one of the author's iconic characters, and hope to see her again soon. 

Everything you want from a novel from this author and more.  Brilliant. 

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

Book Review - Enemies To Lovers by Laura Jane Williams

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Title: Enemies To Lovers

Author: Laura Jane Williams

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Penguin

Publication Date: 15th August 2024

Rating: 4 Stars

Flo Greenberg: highly strung. Over-achiever. And desperate for a relaxing Greek holiday with her family.

Jamie Kramer: her brother's best friend. Pain in the arse. And somehow on Flo’s relaxing Greek holiday too…

With two surprise weeks of sharing meals, boat trips and sun-loungers, Flo must endure the company of this irksomely chiselled Lothario. But after what happened last year, she’s determined not to let him get the better of her.

In fact, spending time with the enemy will be the perfect cure for Flo's all-consuming anger towards Jamie, right?

(Spoiler alert: wrong…!)

Well this was one really enjoyable story. 

Admittedly Flo and Jamie drove me a bit nuts, and I kind of worked out what had happened the year before really early on (I was right), but other than that I enjoyed reading this. 

After all its a big family holiday, set in Greece, with a fit Greek hunk who is called Adonis appearing at certain points, and I loved the various dynamics within the family. 

But I just couldn't really connect with Flo, I appreciate she has mental health challenges, but it did feel like they dominated every thought, and I get that, that would be realistic, but in fiction it just felt overly repetitive, and I was just a bit fed up with her. 

Although I suspect had I read this while I was on holiday with all the time in the world, and not when I was stressed with only snatched moments to read it, I'd have probably been raving about how great it is, I just think I wasn't completely in the mood for these specific characters. 

That being said I'd have loved to have Flo's parents they seemed great, and the younger of her two brothers, Alex seemed really cool. i also loved Kate, but perhaps my favourite character was Hope.  

Hope was someone Flo met at therapy and they became friends and text each other the whole time, and I just was highly amused by Hope's comments about men, while also wishing I was her.  Actually I'd love it if Hope had a book of her own! 

It's an entertaining beach read, and it's always fun to read a new Laura Jane Williams novel. 

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

Book Review - The Woman Who Ran For The Hills by Carmen Reid

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Title: The Woman Who Ran For The Hills

Author: Carmen Reid

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 18th July 2023

Rating: 4 Stars

Jennifer McAndrew thinks she’s living her best life in London – wonderful man, great job, happily child-free. Except the ‘wonderful man’ turns out to have a secret that ruins everything...

Shocked and devastated, Jen doesn’t know what to do. So, she packs her bags and runs for the hills – away from her problems, all the way to her childhood home in Scotland and the safety of her dad.

But her dad is a changed man. Busy with his girlfriend, golf and G&Ts, he doesn’t have time for Jen’s worries. And she can’t see her sister, Isla, who she fell out with years ago.

So, Jen rekindles friendships with her old school pals, Alison and Rory. They’re juggling work and young families, but still find time to take her out and set her up with some terrible dates.

The more time she spends with Rory and his daughters, the more Jen thinks there could be something big missing from her life. But could she ever go back to small town life? And can she forgive what happened in the past? Should a good friend become something more?

The biggest question for Jen is – will she try to solve her problems, or will she cut and run for the hills again?

Another brilliant laugh out loud emotional read, perfect for fans of Fiona Gibson, Tracy Bloom and Sophie Ranald!

Always a pleasure to read a new Carmen Reid, and I really did enjoy this one. 

It was interesting to see how Jen changed over the course of the book,  as the moves back to her childhood home, and tries to recover from an injury, a break up and needing a new job. She is barely on good terms with her sister and although staying with her dad, she doesn't have the easiest relationship with him.

I especially loved Rory, who is such a great friend, despite it being clear he has deeper feelings. And seeing Jen start to come into her own, with her new job is good to see. 

It was good to learn just why Jen and sister Isla have such a bad relationship. And I also enjoyed some of Jen's dating attempts. 

This is a good book, not my favourite from the author but then again I'm a massive Personal Shopper fan, but still an enjoyable way to spend my time. 

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

Book Review - Poppy's Parisian Patisserie by Daisy James

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Title: Poppy's Parisian Patisserie

Author: Daisy James

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 28th June 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

Welcome to Poppy's Parisian Pâtisserie, the sixth book in a brand new series from the author of the Hummingbird Hotel series and the Cornish Confetti Agency series.

Escape to chic and glamorous Paris!

When Poppy Phillipson loses her chocolate-making business in the Blossomwood Bay fire, she’s heart-broken; all her hopes and dreams wiped out in the space of an hour. As if that wasn’t enough, her last three dates were a complete disaster – one two-hour lecture on the intricacies of the off-side rule, one no-show, and an embarrassing abandonment mid-date – and she’s having a hard time not to take it personally.

So, when her brother asks her to come to the rescue of his friend Olivier Bourdain, owner of Pâtisserie Madeliene, following a freak skiing accident, she decides it’s the perfect way to escape the Devonshire drizzle and enjoy a petit sojourn from all-thing romance exploring the boutiques and boulevards of elegant Paris.

However, when she meets handsome French chef Fabien Dumont, with his sexy accent and dark brooding eyes, her determination to take a dating hiatus is severely tested. Should she concentrate on improving her skills as a pâtissière, or should she throw caution to the wind and embrace everything the City of Light has to offer… including the possibility of love?

Join Poppy as she heads to the dazzling city of Paris, and enjoy a story filled with delicious French pâtisserie and a soupçon of heart-warming romance.

I absolutely love this series, and a book featuring Poppy, Paris and Parisian was far too tempting to leave on my kindle unread for long. 

This is certainly a book that will make you wish to be in Paris, and will also make you hungry.  Daisy James always has a wonderful knack of mixing fabulous settings and delicious sounding food, with a dollop of romance too and this was no exception. 

Poppy really steps out of her comfort zone to go to Paris for a few weeks, after a series of bad dates, her not being needed at work for a few weeks, and a plumbing disaster at home, in order to help out her brother's friend Olivier at his Patisserie. 

Her new landlord for the next few weeks is Olivier's mother, who is a tonic and I want to be her when I'm older.  She and her best friend were constantly going to different classes, trying new activities and basically living live to its fullest. 

Poppy also makes some new friends, in the patisserie and its surrounding area, including meeting by chance amazing chef Fabien.

I loved seeing Poppy grow in confidence as the story progresses, and also that we are able to catch up with the leading ladies of many of the other books in this series, as we continue to wonder what on earth will ever happen with the beach huts in Blossomwood Bay. 

This was a joy to read, and I had a massive smile on my face as I was devouring the pages. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. 

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

Book Review - The Fake-Up by Justin Myers

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Title: The Fake-Up

Author: Justin Myers

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: 7th April 2022

Publication Date: Sphere

Rating: 4 Stars

EVERYONE THINKS THEY'RE SINGLE. BUT THEY'RE LIVING DOUBLE LIVES.

Dylan and Flo are exes for a reason. It seems like everyone in the world knows why they broke up, and everyone picked a side.

But despite what Dylan tells the tabloids or the heartbreaking lyrics in Flo's songs, the star-crossed lover are still very much together. And if they don't keep the relationship a secret, their newfound fame might disappear altogether.

So they attend splashy award shows with other people. They meet in ridiculous disguises. He clambers through her bedroom window to avoid cameras.

But Dylan and Flo are in way over their heads, and the games have only just begun . . .

What an apt title! 

You have heard of the fake dating trope, well this is the fake break up! 

Dylan and Flo start the book as dating for real, things then come to ahead and they break up for real, which lead to Flo writing a hit song and Dylan being on the cusp of finally getting a good role in his acting career and then they decide they need to be together. 

So get back together, and sneak around as their friends and family are a lot happier with them apart. 

At times it is hard to remember who knows what, and what is real or not. 

But what I really enjoyed wasn't necessarily their relationship, but seeing their career trajectories, and seeing just how they deal with success, fame, the media, vultures of tabloid hacks, potential showmances and more. 

I loved getting to know Dylan and Flo, as well as various people in their lives. 

And that ending was pure genius, I didn't expect it but yet it totally worked! Brilliant. 

This was an enjoyable book, and the first that I have read from the author. It kept me on my toes and I love books set in the world of showbiz, so it definitely kept my attention.  

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

Book Review - The Winner Bakes It All by Jeevani Charika

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Title: The Winner Bakes It All

Author: Jeevani Charika

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ Digital 

Publication Date: 4th June 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

It's love at first fight

Elodie has big dreams for her little cake shop, so when a perfect bigger unit becomes vacant, she’s excited to finally expand. Except it turns out the space has already been snatched up – and by a fitness-obsessed gym bro who hates carbs and sugar!

But when a local influencer offers her the opportunity to bake for a big celebrity wedding, Elodie can’t believe her luck. Until she finds out that her new carb-hating nemesis, Mal, has been hired to cater the same event.

The two rivals have to put their personal feelings aside to work together to pull off the wedding of the year – and they only have two months to do it! But will they be able to resist trying to kill each other, or will sparks – and cupcakes – fly in the heat of the moment?

Be warned make sure you have plenty of snacks on hand as you read this, as it will make you hungry. 

After all it features a sugar loving cake baker, and a new rival in the same arcade a keto meal maker. 

I loved Elodie and Mal's story, from their first meeting to how they started to grown on each other, it was heartwarming to see. 

I love Mal's motives for having the cafe that he does, catering to keto diets. You learn a lot about keto in this, and how it can be good for you and it was really interesting.  

But I do have to say that I would be a visitor to Elodie's bakery, as I have a sweet tooth, and her cakes sounded delicious and so pretty. 

I really disliked some of the men in Elodie's life though, and her parents. Whereas i loved Mal's family and best friend. 

From enemies into something more, I loved seeing how the story developed, and thoroughly enjoyed reading all of it.  I especially loved Mal's nephew, who is really cool and smart! 

There is just something about Jeevani Charika's writing that I tend to thoroughly enjoy and this was no exception. Another fabulous book from her that I devoured, almost as fast as I can devour a chocolate cake! 

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

Book Review - The Fake Wife by Sharon Bolton

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Title: The Fake Wife

Author: Sharon Bolton

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Orion

Publication Date: 9th November 2023 

Rating: 4 Stars

You're not who you say you are. But neither is she.

Olive Anderson has accepted that tonight she'll be dining alone, without her husband. So when a beautiful stranger appears at Olive's dinner table, telling the waiter she's her wife, Olive is immediately unsettled.

But the stranger wants to talk, and isn't this what Olive wants on this lonely winter night? To vent to a perfect stranger? She's too ashamed to tell her real friends the truth - six months into the marriage they all warned her against, her life is a living nightmare.

Perhaps Olive should have asked the fake wife who she's really married to. Perhaps she should have known this chance encounter had something to do with her secretive husband. Because there is a string of missing women connected to Mr Anderson, and by the morning, Olive will be the latest...

The Fake Wife is an unputdownable thriller that will shock and surprise you like the best television boxsets. If you enjoyed Netflix shows like Behind Her Eyes, The Stranger and Obsession you will love The Fake Wife.

I was certainly intrigued by this book. The opening definitely caught my attention and hooked me in. 

However it took me a while to get used to how quickly the viewpoints would change mid chapter, between Olive and Garry. In fact initially given I was reading an advance copy I was wondering if something had gone wrong in the editing or formatting as I wasn't even sure Garry's storyline initially was anything to do with this book . 

Rest assured as you proceed it does all start to make sense, and not only that I started to really get interested in both of our main characters. There is more to Olive than what you first think. and the more I got to know the more I wanted to know. 

And I was really rooting for Garry too, he is a bit of a bumbling cop, how gets involved in this investigation mainly due to his excellent driving skills, and I really liked seeing him develop as the story progressed. 

This was a really good book, that had me invested at all times. 

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

Book Review - A French Adventure by Jennifer Bohnet

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Title: A French Adventure

Author: Jennifer Bohnet

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 20th February 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

All NEW from bestselling escapist fiction author Jennifer Bohnet - let her whisk you away to the South of France

When your old life ceases to exist, it’s time to build a new one…

It’s early summer on the French Riviera when Vivienne Wilson arrives for a one-woman writers’ retreat after her philandering husband informs her that their 30-year marriage is over.

There to collect the shell-shocked Vivienne is recently widowed Maxine Zonszain, who is struggling to come to terms with her empty life following the sudden death of her husband.

Florist extraordinaire, Olivia Murray, shares the Villa that Vivienne is renting. She’s pretty content with life - but longs to meet ‘The One’.

Life under the summer sun in Antibes becomes a challenging time for all three women. Secrets are shared, problems are halved as they forge new and unexpected friendships and embark on new adventures.

Sometimes life’s surprises turn out to be unwanted but just sometimes the ‘new normal’ makes for a happier life than the one lost.

A uplifting tale of friendship and second chances. Perfect for the fans of Jill Mansell and Fern Britton.

It is always lovely to be back in the South of France, especially in Jennifer Bohnet's clearly beloved Antibes area. 

Having read so many of this author's books by now, i really feel as though I would be right at home on the French Riviera, just from all of her stories, settings and the fact that in the case of this book we get some trips up and down this bit of coast line.  Including Monaco somewhere I really would love to visit. 

We have three leading ladies, Maxine who is adjusting to life as a widow, Olivia who is delighted her old friend is back in town, and Vivienne who at the airport before she flew to France for her two month writing retreat, discovers her husband is leaving her. 

I really enjoyed getting to know all three women, and their families, and seeing how they developed over the course of the book, as new friendships are formed. 

I was totally hooked on this book and found it to be a really fast read, that was a joy to devour while sitting in my garden. 

I'm always a fan of a book from this author and this was definitely right up there with her best.  Very enjoyable. 

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

Book Review - The Clique by Rhiannon Barnsley

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Title: The Clique

Author: Rhiannon Barnsley

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 1st August 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

There’s only one way to join their society. If someone leaves, or dies…

High-flying lawyer Sara O’Neil had it all; the career, the money, the prestige.

And then she jumped to her death.

Cassandra Harlow never expected to see her friend fall from their office rooftop. Someone knows what really happened. But the only people who might know the truth are a secret women-only society, Inside, whose promise is to fast-track your career.

But if Sara was part of it and they helped facilitate her rise to the top, could they also be the reason she came crashing down to earth?

I had no idea what to expect from this book but I can easily say it was fabulous. 

I didn't see the twists coming and it moved at a really fast pace.

I loved the idea of their being a club for women like the old Men's clubs but never did I imagine what would really be going on.

And the look into what I feel are almost certainly true and shocking working practices in law firms,  especially for women are both eye opening and shocking. Made me glad I wasn't a high powered lawyer.

Cass is a great heroine,  if a little carefree towards her own safety but determined to find out the truth about Sara's death. And discovers a lot more than she would have ever guessed. 

Utterly fabulous,  this was the first book i have read by the author,  and definitely won't be the last. Hard to put down, and very quick to devour. 

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