Book Review - Sunrise Over Sapphire Bay by Holly Martin - Blog Tour

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Amazon UK

Title: Sunrise Over Sapphire Bay

Author: Holly Martin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 24th April 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Fall in love with the beautiful Jewel Island this summer, where the sapphire sea sparkles, the golden sun warms your skin and the islanders melt your heart. From the bestselling author of The Little Village of Happiness comes Holly Martin’s most romantic novel yet.

Aria Philips has lived on Jewel Island all of her life. Even when her sisters Clover and Skye left its stunning shores for bigger and better things, Aria stayed to help her father run their family hotel.

A year after her father’s death Aria’s done everything she can to keep things afloat but the hotel has long been struggling to make a profit. With so few guests Aria risks losing the only home she’s ever had.

Noah Campbell earned his fortune from making hotels a success, and he also just happens to be staying on Jewel Island this summer. Could he be the answer to Aria’s problems? If only he hadn’t kissed her under the willow tree the year before and never called her again. It had been the most incredible kiss of her life, but clearly business and pleasure should never be mixed.

As gorgeous and charming as Noah may be, Aria vows to keep things professional while she seeks his help. But for the past year Noah has been keeping a secret and his return to Jewel Island is about to change Aria’s life forever…

Soak up the sun in Sapphire Bay with this feel-good novel you won’t be able to put down. An unforgettable summer romance perfect for fans of Debbie Johnson, Sarah Morgan and Jill Mansell.

Everything about this book is just what I needed to read at the moment.  It has a gorgeous setting in Sapphire Bay, some truly wonderful characters, a will they finally get it together sort of a romance, and some delicious sounding ice-cream and dessert concoctions. 

Ok the ice-cream and desserts are more thanks to Aria's sister Skye and may not be key to main story but wow they sounded very yummy and inventive. 

Aria though has a novel approach to running her hotel, which makes her such a lovable character. She tries to do the best she can by everyone, not necessarily with the best of business brains, but never mind.  Watching her try to explain to Noah her new business part her rationale for some of her decisions was amusing. 

As were so many of the scenes - look out for a rather unusual haka being danced, oh and the donkey!! The donkey scene is hilarious.   Oh and there is a guest at the hotel who just cracked me up completely, and she was a real breath of fresh air. 

I loved getting to know all the characters in the book, with the exception of new receptionist Zoe who really is just a nasty piece of work.   But everyone else is fabulous. 

There are even cameos from other characters from previous Holly Martin books, and I suspect there were possibly more than I am positive about! I always love it when an author does that. 

This was such an entertaining story from one of my favourite authors, it really took my mind off real life and I'm gutted that I now have to say goodbye to Noah and I really did love him.  

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

Book Review - The Gift of Happiness by Holly Martin - Blog Tour

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Amazon UK

Title: The Gift of Happiness

Author: Holly Martin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 25th October 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

The beautiful new story from the bestselling author of Christmas at Lilac Cottage. The magic of Christmas has arrived in the little village of Happiness, where snow falls and love is in the air.

This December Ruby Marlowe is relocating her little Christmas shop and everything she owns to the pretty seaside village of Happiness. With her best friend Willow already living there, and a heartbreaking past she’d rather forget, Ruby jumped at the offer of a cosy cottage and a fresh start on the Cornish coast. But she wasn’t the only one…

The last person Ruby expects to find in Happiness is her summer fling, the very gorgeous Jacob Harrington. He’s the only man who has come close to unlocking her heart, and therefore the one man she knew she could never see again. But now he’s here in the same village, and the chemistry between them is more electric than ever.

Falling in love again is something Ruby has vowed never to do. But Jacob is determined to change her mind.

As the village sparkles with Christmas lights and the snow begins to fall, can Jacob convince Ruby that love is worth the risk? And will Ruby accept the gift of happiness that Jacob is offering her before it’s too late?

Give yourself The Gift of Happiness this festive season, like a creamy hot chocolate with marshmallows, you won’t want to put this deliciously heartwarming novel down. A gorgeous, feel-good love story to snuggle up with this winter. Perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan, Carole Matthews and Debbie Johnson.

What a wonderful life it is when you can curl up with the latest Holly Martin Christmas book.  It's pure happiness!

And it was wonderful to be back in Happiness that fabulous village from the previous book. 

And what a difference a few months make,  it really does feel like a community there,  especially with all the gossip about Ruby and Jacob.

Their chemistry is still sizzling even if there is a large amount of denial from both of them.  

I loved all the festive events that Ruby in a few short days managed to organise, especially the Polar Bear Plunge. 

And Ruby's shop, what better then a place selling Christmas all year around.  It is just the sort of place I would love to visit. 

All the familiar faces from the previous book are present and its great to catch up with them.  But equally this book could easily be read as a standalone. 

I love every tinsel filled moment of this slice of Christmas happiness.

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

Please do follow along with the rest of this blog tour 

Book Review - The Little Village of Happiness by Holly Martin

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Amazon UK

Title:  The Little Village of Happiness

Author: Holly Martin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published 

Publication Date: 1st July 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Fall head-over-heels in love with the beautiful new novel from bestselling author Holly Martin and let The Little Village of Happiness warm your heart and make your spirits soar.


Willow McKay needs a fresh start. Her recent break-up may not have left her heartbroken but it’s certainly wounded her pride. Desperate to escape the whispers and stares of her town’s gossips, an advert offering homes in a picturesque village in the grounds of a majestic castle on the Cornish coast sounds like just what she needs. Without thinking twice Willow applies for a cottage and packs up her life for the village of Happiness.

But when Willow arrives she finds a crumbling ruin and ramshackle cottages, nothing like the pretty picture the advert had boasted. It seems Happiness was too good to be true. That is until she meets the incredibly handsome estate manager Andrew Harrington…

His passion for restoring the village to its former glory is contagious and soon they are working together to bring happiness back to Happiness. And as sparks fly between them Willow can feel herself falling. But Andrew is holding something back.

Can Willow risk her heart again? And will they succeed in transforming the old village to its original beauty before it’s too late?

Get swept away to the sun-kissed Cornish coast with this gorgeous love story, perfect for fans of Jill Mansell, Miranda Dickinson and Lucy Diamond.

Holly Martin is a romantic genius - what an absolute gem of a book this is. 

I mean you know you are onto a winner, when you meet Willow, who has decided on a whim to relocate her life to a little Cornish village.  It's a privately owned village that is trying to bring itself back to be a full thriving community, with the best name ever - Happiness. 

That's right the setting for this book is literally a picturesque village called Happiness, what more could you want. 

Well how about a village handyman that is perfect book boyfriend material. There is so much more to him than may meet the eye initially, but as a result, his story lines were dealt with so beautifully, it really added an extra dimension to the book.   

And well Holly Martin, always seems to out do herself with different professions for her main characters, that you don't necessarily see or think of every day,  and so I was delighted to learn that Willow was a candle maker.  

Willow is such a bubbly personality she is determined to help Andrew get the village ready for its open day, to try to attract new residents and she has such an array of ideas. 

But its the secret gifting society that really captured mine and the villagers imagination and has such a wonderful effect on the community.  I won't go into it in great details but its all about kindness and producing a village wide mystery.  It's such a wonderful idea,  I could read about it all day. 

Oddly this isn't the first book I've read this summer, which features people moving to a village that is trying to regenerate itself. so I do wonder if this may be the start of a whole new trope.  Both books are equally amazing and completely and utterly different, just took me by surprise as until the other week I don't think I'd come across the idea before anywhere. 

This really is Holly Martin at her best, it is warm, loving, some great humour, at least one laugh out loud scene involving Poppy,  some wonderful gestures, gorgeous setting, a cameo from character from a previous book,  and a fledgling relationship I was completely rooting for while wanting to be a part of. 

This is utter perfection, my only complaint is that it had to end.  I am really hoping that the authors next book The Gift of Happiness, later this year is set back in this village as I really need to see how things move forward, even if it is through the eyes of a new main character! 

Whether you are a fan of the author or new to her, this is a fabulous book to start with,  I completely and utterly recommend it. 

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

Book Review - The Summer of Chasing Dreams - Blog Tour

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Amazon UK

Title: The Summer of Chasing Dreams

Author: Holly Martin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 29th March 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

This year everything is about to change...

Eva Blue is quite content with her life in London. In her job as a cover designer, she works at home, and often in her cosy pyjamas. She's happy to stay in her safe little world and not explore much outside of it.

She is the opposite of her mum, a free spirit who craved finding adventure and thrills in all corners of the world. But on the day her mum’s will is finalised, Eva finds a list of all the dreams her mum wanted to achieve in her life. Things she never did because she fell pregnant with Eva.

Eva decides these dreams will not go unfulfilled - she is going to be brave and complete them for her mum. As Eva has no experience travelling the world, she hires a guide to go with her on this trip of a lifetime.

Gorgeous but rude Thor Anderson is not the person she would choose to accompany her on this adventure, but somehow she gets stuck with him. As they discover the world together Eva starts to think he might not be as bad as she first thought. She is swept away by Thor's kindness and mischievous sense of humour. While Eva wrestles with moving out of her comfort zone, Thor is running from a past heartache. Sparks fly between them, but will a simple holiday romance be enough or can they put aside their pasts to embrace their futures?

Without a doubt my favourite Holly Martin book of all time, and easily the best one she has written since One Hundred Proposals.   This feels like vintage Holly Martin - a fabulous feel good factor, some incredibly romantic scenes and gestures, some wonderful creativity, had me laughing and smiling throughout and generally just wow. 

As someone that loves travel, loves going on holiday and also loves reading books set around the world - what better for me than The Summer of Chasing Dreams that features a round the world trip. 

I can't imagine the amount of research the author put into this to make each section in each country feel so  authentic, and real.  I could picture everything so so clearly, and really had a sense of every little thing that Eva and Thor were experiencing. 

Eva discovered her mum's chest of dreams written when Juliette was only 18, just before falling pregnant with Eva.  With the money that Juliette left her, Eva decides to travel around the world and experience the dreams for her, and also write postcards to her mum the whole way through.

I loved how the postcards were used to move the trip onwards and give a taste of some of the places, without us experiencing every last moment  of the holiday- just all the key ones.   

There are scenes that had me laughing out loud, including a sink in a hotel room in Belgium, conversations that made me fall for Thor, such as the ones about sex in Amsterdam,  there a memorable moments involving giraffes,  the scenery descriptions involved in a hot air balloon ride has made me determined to experience one of those. 

There were also moments where Thor's kindness and thoughtfulness had me almost in tears especially with  one surprise he had for Eva. 

Thor though was not meant to be Eva's travelling companion, and was sent as a replacement from the travel company when her original female escort became injured.  Even the initial stages of their interactions were amusing, and did think he seemed on first impressions rather too sure of himself. But as we got to know both him and Eva,  I could understand them both incredibly well. 

This is perfect holiday reading, or like me, a cold winters day read, where I get to think and virtually travel to warmer places.  I adored every single moment of this fabulous book and it already feels like one of my top romantic comedy reads for the year.   

Or if you thought all of that was too long to read - let me sum it up for you the easy way - go buy and read this book, and enjoy your virtual travels and romance! 

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

Please do take a look at all the other fabulous bloggers taking part on this blog tour

Book Review - Coming Home to Maple Cottage by Holly Martin

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Amazon UK

Title: Coming Home to Maple Cottage

Author: Holly Martin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication Date: 28th September 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

This utterly addictive new novel from bestselling author Holly Martin will make you smile until your cheeks hurt, sob tears of pure joy and fall head over heels in love with a totally unforgettable romance…

Isla Rosewood is creating a new life for herself and her sweet nephew Elliot in their cosy, yellow-brick family cottage, brimming with special memories. Living in Sandcastle Bay was never part of Isla’s plan but, after her brother Matthew’s tragic accident, her whole world changed as she unexpectedly became a mother to the little boy she adores so much.

Leo Jackson was always known as Matthew’s fun-loving and wild best friend. But now Matthew is gone, it’s time to put his colourful past behind him. His role as Elliot’s godfather is the most important thing to him. And even though Leo and Isla are two very different people, they both want to give Elliot the childhood he deserves.

As the three of them enjoy time together watching fireworks, baking cakes and collecting conkers, Isla begins to see a softer side to charming Leo, with his twinkling eyes and mischievous sense of humour. And, despite herself, she begins to fall for him.

But does Leo feel the same way? Isla knows their situation is complicated but is it too complicated for true love… or will the year end with a happy new beginning for them all?

This is the book that I have been waiting for, we finally get to see if Isla and Leo will get together, and if she will ever say yes to one of his repeated proposals.  We also get to discover whether Isla will finally be able to adopt Elliot officially, who is a wonderful 5 year old boy.  

Having read the previous too books in this series I had been eagerly awaiting the answers to all of that and to see what the outcomes would be, and felt right at home, with everything coming back to me really fast as I started to read.  If you haven't read the other books set in Sandcastle Bay, then you are missing out, but equally this book will work as a standalone. 

Possibly because I knew the characters so well going into this, I found myself welling up with tears towards the end, as I was so happy with the outcome, which only ever happens when I read well written books where I care about the characters. 

I was enchanted by this book from the moment I started reading it, and read it in two sittings.  I'm  massive fan of this author, and she didn't let me down, weaving all of her humour and great romance into one fabulous story that makes for a fitting end to this series. 

It was refreshing to see a book set around Autumnal activities,  including acorn jewellery, pumpkin carving and fireworks. 

Isla, Leo and Elliot may not be a traditional family unit but the amount of love that flows between the three of them, makes them far more solid than most, and the second anything happened that would threaten their threesome, it was interesting to see just how Leo reacted.  It is clear that despite his bad boy past, that he really has changed and cares for Isla and Elliot a great deal. 

A beautifully told story that I really wish didn't end, I'm already hoping that Holly Martin is hard at work on the next book, as I don't want to wait too long.  If you are looking for a wonderfully romantic story,  with fabulous chemistry, clear bonds of friendship and love and a fabulous cast of recurring characters, then this is the book / series for you! 

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

Book Review - The Cottage on Sunshine Beach by Holly Martin

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Amazon UK

Title: The Cottage on Sunshine Beach

Author: Holly Martin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication Date: 22nd June 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Melody Rosewood loves her new home in idyllic Sandcastle Bay. The beautiful little cottage on the edge of Sunshine Beach, with its bright yellow door and view of the sea has captured her heart. And she loves being close by to her family and best friend Tori Graham. 

Life by the sea is pretty much perfect, there’s just one thing missing…

Gorgeous Jamie Jackson, with his cheeky grin and adorable puppy, works as a sculptor opposite Melody’s jewellery shop. From the moment he and Melody meet sparks fly. But despite their instant attraction, a past heartache is holding Jamie back.

As Melody starts to make a life for herself in the close-knit, quirky seaside community, she realises Jamie could be the one for her. But as the two of them take a chance on romance, it’s one dating disaster after another. Are they destined to always be just good friends? 

Or will Melody finally find her happily-ever-after in Sandcastle Bay?

This book has some of the best scenes I have ever read in a book - such hilarity and the descriptions used were so clear that I could see them unfolding in front of my very eyes.  Keep your eyes peeled for that scene in a cave, that scene in a supermarket aisle, that scene in puppy training class to name just 3 moments of absolute fabulousness. 

But really the whole book is packed full of gems, not just hilarious ones, but actual gemstones as Melody is a jewellery maker, so often has a variety of gems about!  

This is Melody and Jamie's story, who we first met in The Holiday Cottage by the Sea and I am so pleased we were able to meet them up close and personal. You don't need to have read book 1 to be able to read this but like all of Holly Martin's book it would be a shame to miss out.  

We get to catch up with Aidan and Tori,  while still hoping that Leo and Isla get together which I have to presume will be the next book and one I'm already looking forward too...

..now where was I, ah yes, singing the praises of The Cottage on Sunshine Beach which is another masterclass from Holly Martin in romantic comedy.  There is romance, there is sizzling chemistry, there are two main characters with creative jobs that a re a bit different,  there is fun, laughter, hidden depths to both characters, character development - and just generally a fabulous story line that will suck you in, and transport you to Sunshine Beach. 

I absolutely loved this book, the writing is fabulous, and I can't fault it other than I ran out of pages.  This is another top class book from one of my favourite authors. 

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

Book Review - The Holiday Cottage By The Sea by Holly Martin - Blog Tour

Amazon UK

Title:  The Holiday Cottage By The Sea

Author: Holly Martin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication Date: 12th April 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

The perfect place to fall in love this summer…

Tori Graham is in need of a holiday. Trying to piece her heart back together after losing the love of her life, she escapes to Blossom Cottage, with its picturesque views of the sea. And plans to spend the summer in gorgeous Sandcastle Bay, where her best friend Melody Rosewood lives.

Tori’s not expecting her summer by the beach to be eventful, until she meets handsome and mysterious Aidan Jackson…

Aidan looks after the holiday cottage Tori is staying in. Healing from past hurts, he wants to avoid any further chance of heartache. But could this newcomer be the breath of fresh air he needs?

Finding herself embracing life in the coastal community, Tori starts to fall in love with Sandcastle Bay and its welcoming cast of residents. But that’s not all she begins to fall for, as Tori is swept away by Aidan’s genuine heart and mischievous sense of humour. The attraction between them is undeniable, but will a simple holiday romance be enough?

As Tori’s stay in Sandcastle Bay comes to an end she has a tough decision to make…. Has her heart found a new place to call home?

Utterly enchanted by this incredibly romantic story, set in a picturesque location, full of characters with really interesting jobs..... it can only have been written by one of the queens of rom coms - Holly Martin! 

I devoured this book and despite not being that keen on fruit, even I wanted to taste the heartberries that were being harvested by the end of the book. 

The banter between Aidan and Tori is hilarious and although you sort of know what the ending will be, I never mind when I am taken on such an enjoyable journey to reach that stage.  Although what you wouldn't predict is the level of meddling Aidan's aunt Agatha enjoys! 

Agatha is utterly hilarious, and she gives Tori all manner of supplies for her first date with Aidan, that you wouldn't expect anyone to just happen to have in their handbag, let alone hand over in a pub to a relative stranger. I was laughing my head off at that scene,  and then it got even better! 

Agatha also a hand in the henna that Tori has on her back, but even I couldn't believe what the design was. Again revealed in a classic scene that is incredibly amusing. 

I loved the names of the places in this book, Sandcastle Bay, Blossom Cottage,  The Cherry on Top cafe,  all which evoke a certain feel to them just from their names alone.  So incredibly creative.  I also loved Tori's two best friends and I am predicting each of their stories may get told in future books this year from Holly Martin. 

Oh and I haven't even mentioned the animals in this book, Beauty, Beast and Dobby which are nothing like their namesakes.  Dobby is the first we are introduced to, and let's just say he is not typical of his species and is a great little character in his own right.  Beast and his girlfriend Beauty make a lovely couple, and produce a mixture of funny moments and awww moments. 

From the first page this book captured my heart, and I read it in one sitting, completely absorbed by Holly Martin's excellent writing style and story telling. Once again I am astounded by all the small touches that make you really believe in the couple at the heart of the story.   I would without a doubt highly recommend The Holiday Cottage by the Sea. 

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

Please do check out all these other great bloggers who will have their own thoughts to share on the book. 

Book Review - Christmas at Mistletoe Cove by Holly Martin - Blog Tour

Amazon UK

Title: Christmas at Mistletoe Cove

Author: Holly Martin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication Date: 22nd September 2017

Rating: 5 Stars

Christmas has arrived at Hope Island, promising snowflakes, surprises and plenty of seasonal joy. So snuggle up and fall in love at Mistletoe Cove …

Growing up on Hope Island, Eden Lancaster always believed that if you wished hard enough for something, dreams really could come true. But Eden’s greatest wish is also her biggest secret: she has been completely in love with her childhood friend, the charming and attractive Dougie Harrison, for as long as she can remember. And he has no idea. 

When Dougie leaves his successful life in New York to return home to Hope Island for good, Eden can’t escape her feelings. Her heart is full of hope that her romantic dreams are finally, at long last, going to come true…

This Christmas could change everything. But can a lifelong friendship really turn into the perfect romance? And will Eden get the happily ever after she’s always wished for?

It certainly isn't Christmas unless there is a Holly Martin book, and this has surpassed expectations.  Dougie is one of the most romantic heroes that I have read about, and it was only a few pages in when I fell head over heels in love with him. 

Eden has been in love with Dougie all of her life, and she is half dreading his permanent return to Hope Island as he has never expressed interest in her in that way. Yet within a few days of his return Dougie was like a man on a mission to make Eden fall in love with him. 

There is even plenty of wooing (don't recall the last time I read about some good old romantic wooing!), and some remarkably impressive gestures as Dougie attempts to make all of Eden's wishes and dreams come true. 

This is the sort of book that not only will turn a cynic into a romantic, but also into a believer of fairy dust and magical wishes.  Mistletoe Cover besides having an incredibly Christmassy sounding name is just a fabulous cove that plays a huge part in Eden and Dougie's story. 

The festive feeling is very present in this book, with the week long Christmas festival on the island. I loved the couples snowman building competition, the mince pie flavoured pancakes were inventive and anything with sleigh rides and Christmas gifts is a winner for me! 

This is the third book set on Hope Island, and can easily be read as a standalone. The focus is on Eden and Dougie and fans of the previous two books will be delighted to see the continuation of Bella and Freya's stories too. 

Fully of romance, wishes, beautiful setting, great friendship, and just all around great feelings, this is a wonderful story that was a delight to read.  I'm just worried that future book boyfriends won't measure up to Dougie, in terms of thoughtfulness and all around sex appeal! 

Christmas at Mistletoe Cove is simply wonderful and whether you curl up with some mulled wine, or read it in the middle of summer, it is a story well worth reading and enjoying, if you like loveable characters and a big helping a romance!

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

Please follow along with the rest of the blog tour. 

Author Bio:

Holly has been writing for 8 years. She was shortlisted for the New Talent Award at the Festival of Romance. Her short story won the Sunlounger competition and was published in the Sunlounger anthology. She won the Carina Valentine’s competition at the Festival of Romance 2013 with her novel The Guestbook. She was shortlisted for Best Romantic Read, Best eBook and Innovation in Romantic Fiction at the Festival of Romance 2014. She is the bestselling author of 18 books

Author Social Media Links:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HollyMAuthor

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

Website: https://hollymartinwriter.wordpress.com/my-books/

Book Review - Summer at Buttercup Beach by Holly Martin

Amazon UK

Title: Summer at Buttercup Beach

Author: Holly Martin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Bookouture 

Publication Date: 30th June 2017

Rating: 5 Stars

Pull up a deck chair and bask in the beautiful sunshine on Buttercup Beach. The sand is warm, the sea is sparkling blue and romance is sizzling in the air…

For two years Freya Greene has hidden the fact that she’s totally and utterly in love with her best friend Rome Lancaster. It’s not been easy – they work together in his glasswork business, she lives above his workshop and, he’s completely gorgeous. But Rome has never shown any sign of returning those feelings. Until now…

Lately they’ve shared affectionate touches and words heavy with meaning. Yet Freya knows Rome has a damaged heart. After losing his fiancé in a tragic accident, he’s not allowed himself to fall in love. 

Freya has already had her heart broken by a man who couldn’t let go of a past love. Can she risk it happening again? Rome and Freya have a friendship that could blossom into something more. Are they both brave enough to take that chance?

Everything you could want from a Holly Martin book, and more. It features an incredibly romantic man and a woman who knows what she wants, but isn't sure whether she will get it. There is plenty of advice from friends of the main characters, and just about everyone, other people on Hope Island, and the reader can see what Freya and Rome are meant to be together...however whether they will realise it before you run out of pages is another thing! 

It really didn't take too long for my to start falling for Rome myself, he is gorgeous, unsure of what his feelings really mean but just seems to want to make Freya happy. He has had issues in the past, but is finally ready for something more meaningful than a one night stand. 

What I really loved about Rome was his creativity, especially with Stained Glass, which he has taught Freya how to do too. I enjoyed reading about the various projects they were woking on, as well as Rome's inner geek! 

I really enjoyed reading about Freya and Rome's friendship too, as well as catching up with Eden and Bella who we first meet in Spring at Blueberry Bay. This book can be read as a standalone as the main focal characters are different. I'm already looking forward to the third book in this series, as I am eager to find out what happens to Eden. 

The writing style is like coming home to a good friend, warm and comforting..you know you are going to enjoy it, and it doesn't let you down. This is such a pleasurable story to read with plenty of will they-won't they moments, in addition to some lovely romantic gestures. 

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

Book Review - Spring at Blueberry Bay by Holly Martin

Amazon UK

Title: Spring at Blueberry Bay

Author: Holly Martin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication Date: 7th April 2017

Rating: 5 Stars

Welcome to beautiful Hope Island where the sea sparkles, the daffodils are blooming and a blossoming romance is just around the corner…

Bella has always had a sunny outlook and caring nature, despite recently falling on hard times. When she finds a handsome homeless man on her doorstep, her kind heart tells her she must help him. So, she invites Isaac into her cottage and into her life in ways she could never have imagined…

But Isaac is not what he seems. He’s keeping a huge secret from Bella, yet he never expected to fall for this open, generous and charming woman. 

Bella can’t ignore the chemistry between her and Isaac, but she’s had her trust badly broken in her past. Will she run when she learns the truth about Isaac, or will he be the one man who can help Bella believe in love again?

A fantastically romantic book, that teaches you about love, and has one of my favourite book boyfriends of the year in it. In fact Isaac is just the sort of man I love reading about, sexy and full of romantic gestures both big and small. It was one of those gestures that had me declaring my own undying love for the guy, many chapters before Bella sorted out her own feelings. 

Bella is a heroine that I connected with immediately, she wears her heart on her sleeve, and although allowing a homeless man she has only just met, to spend the night in the house where she lives alone, may be dangerous, she clearly has a very trusting nature and takes people at face value.  She is struggling herself after having had immense bad luck in her previous job, she is down to the last of her money, as she tries to find a new job. 

Bella in a charity events fundraiser and has plenty innovative ideas for events, especially with Easter coming up. My favourite idea is where Pokemon Go meets an Easter Egg hunt, to create a brand new game. Isaac is the boss at the foundation, and there is plenty of chemistry between the two of them from the start. 

I also loved Bella's family, and how close they all are. Erin and Rome clearly look out for Bella's best interests at all times, and Claudia, Isaac's PA tries to protect him too. Bella though doesn't really believe in love so its up to her friends and family, plus Isaac to try and convince her of its merits. 

This was a story that really reached out to me, and at points I was almost in tears, just due to feeling so connected with the characters, that I was really able to empathise with them. 

Spring at Blueberry Bay is Holly Martin at her best, the story was incredibly easy to get into, but equally I was interested in the characters from the first chapter, where the introduction to them is rather unique. I also love the setting of Hope Island in the Scilly Isles, which has loads of picturesque sounding locales on the island, and the island setting, and its remoteness adds a certain something to the story.  If you are a fan of the author then I'm positive you will enjoy this book as much as I do, and I'm already eagerly looking forward to hearing more about any future books with this setting. 

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