Book Review - Summer Nights at the Moonlight Hotel by Jane Costello

Amazon UK

Title: Summer Nights at the Moonlight Hotel

Author: Jane Costello

Format reviewed: Paperback

Source: Publisher supplied review copy

Publisher: Simon and Schuster UK

Publication Date: 24th March 2016

Rating: 5 Stars

Learn to dance at The Moonlight Hotel, in the most romantic place in Britain…Beginners and singles welcome. 

The Moonlight Hotel sits on the shore of England’s best-loved lake, Windermere, exuding vintage glamour. And in its ballroom weekly dance classes promise evenings filled with music, friends and fancy(ish) footwork.

When Lauren agrees to sign up, it’s because she loves the building so much; it holds the key to her most precious childhood memories and she always dreamed of dancing the night away under its roof. Even her newly single friends Cate and Emily aren’t going for the men, they’re going for the fun – although a little romance wouldn’t hurt …

Then comes the news that the hotel has been sold to a faceless budget chain, which has devastating plans in store. And the revelation that marks the start of a chain of events – both on and off the dance floor – that puts the strength of their friendship to the ultimate test …

Put on your dancing shoes and escape to The Moonlight Hotel with Jane Costello, in her funniest, most uplifting and drama-packed novel yet. 

I've always been a fan of Jane Costello's books, and ever since seeing Summer Nights and the Moonlight Hotel announced, and the glorious cover reveal, my anticipation of reading it had been increasing, and I have to say I was not disappointed. Summer Nights at the Moonlight Hotel is a delight to read and has many surprising twists and turns as the three friend Lauren, Cate and Emily all try to find true love. 

Lauren is madly in love with fellow teacher, Edwin and when he breaks up with his girlfriend, and then announces he is moving to Singapore, Lauren realises she may have to finally make her move if she is to stand a chance. Lauren has also always wanted to visit Australia and is trying her hardest to save up for her trip of a lifetime. 

Her best friends Cate and Emily are both single and decide that the three of them should join a salsa class at the Moonlight Hotel, mainly for fun but if they happen to meet men then its a bonus. However the Moonlight Hotel has seen better days and then the hotel is sold and closed for renovations, and Lauren isn't too pleased with the new bosses plans for the hotel. 

The salsa classes become a big part of the girls social lives, and we meet all manner of colourful characters who are all learning to dance for various reasons. 

Keep you eyes open for the complete villain of the book Cate's ex boyfriend, as he really is a nasty piece of work, and I couldn't help but feel incredibly sorry for Cate at points. There are also some very sweet scenes in the classroom where Lauren is teaching, and I think one of the children found his way into my heart. 

I was engrossed in this book right from the first few pages, as Jane Costello tells her story in an easy to follow manner, and even with a large amount of characters, due to it all being from Lauren's viewpoint, I wasn't confused at all, which can sometimes happen in books such as this. 

Overall I loved every second of Summer Nights at the Moonlight Hotel, and there are some fabulous romantic gestures to look out for. 

Thank you to SJV and Simon & Schuster for this review copy. This was my honest opinion. 

Release Recap - 23rd April 2015

Just in-case you missed out on seeing all of yesterday's simply amazing new releases, I have listed them all for you in one easy place. I am just amazed at the quality of yesterday's release schedule, and think you will be too, once you pick and choose what you want to read.

Love Shack by Jane Costello
One Small Act of Kindness by Lucy Dillon
Girls on Tour by Nicola Doherty
The Doris Day Vintage Film Club by Fiona Harper
Wild and Free by Wendy Holden
The Cake Shop in the Garden by Carole Matthews
When We Were Friends by Tina Seskis
The Lie by C.L. Taylor


Reviews of most of these have been posted in the last week. If you take up any of my suggestions, please let me know, as I would love to know what you think of these books. 

Book Review - The Love Shack by Jane Costello

Amazon UK

Title: The Love Shack

Author: Jane Costello

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK

Publication Date: 23rd April 2015

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Life's great when you're 29 years old with a gorgeous girlfriend and fulfilling job. Until you have to move back in with your mum . . . 

Dan and Gemma have found their dream first home, but the asking price is the stuff of nightmares. The only way they'll ever save enough for the deposit is by moving in, rent-free, with Dan's mum. 

It's a desperate solution, but it's only for six months. And Gemma's determined to make it work, no matter how bad things get. 

But between Dan's mum's kitchen karaoke, her constant innuendos, irrepressible argumentative streak and - worst of all - her ham and pineapple curries, life back at home would test the patience of two saints. Which Dan and Gemma most definitely are not. 

Then, as they're trying to convince themselves it will all be worth it, Gemma's past comes back to haunt her. And suddenly the foundations of their entire relationship are shaken to their core…

The Love Shack is an entertaining story of Dan and Gemma attempting to purchase their first home together. After months of viewing completely unsuitable properties, they fall in love with Pebble Cottage. Just one small snag, it is slightly out of their price range, and the seller won't budge on the asking price. 

So Gemma comes up with  a solution, if they live thriftily, give up their flat and save every penny they can meet the asking price, so long as they also move in with Dan's mum. Dan although he has reservations, as after all, what 29 year old wants to move back in with his mum, agrees because he loves Gemma and wants her to have her dream house. 

Dan's mum, Belinda is a larger than life character, her brain doesn't seem to filter anything she says, but she is letting the young love birds live there rent-free, until they get Pebble Cottage. It doesn't take too long for Gemma and Dan's patience is tried to the limit. 

The Love Shack is like  a comedy of errors. The scenes with Belinda are generally very funny, and the situation with how the house sale progresses is the stuff of nightmares. Add in, an ex boyfriend getting back in touch with Gemma, and you are suddenly wondering exactly who will end up with who, and if they will ever get their house.

There is a whole host of ancillary characters, and some sub-plots, my favourite of which involves Gemma's best friend Sadie, and their new boss. Also to watch out for is estate agent Rich, who is almost cringe-worthy with the way he talks. 

The story is told from both Dan and Gemma's perspectives, alternating, but giving a continuous story. They pick up wherever the other leaves off, and this makes it feel as though they are telling the story together, perhaps sitting next to each on a couch, reminiscing. 

The Love Shack is a very entertaining story, with a lovely voice to it. It is incredibly light hearted romantic comedy, and I loved reading it. 

The Love Shack is out on Thursday.