Book Review - A Christmas Wedding in the Cotswolds by Lucy Coleman - #HolidayReading #UKCruise

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Title: A Christmas Wedding in the Cotswolds

Author: Lucy Coleman

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 2nd September 2021

Rating: 4 Stars

Imogen Tolliman and Gray Adams can’t wait to get married after getting engaged the previous year, when they were stranded by snow in a blizzard. Now they are busy planning their wedding, but when the date slips six months because Gray is working on a huge film project, it seems like fate that after their snowy start, they will end up getting married at Christmas.

The couple are living in Immi’s grandfather’s picturesque lock-keeper’s cottage at the Aysbury marina in the Cotswolds, which they are renovating to become their forever family home. As well as building work, full-time jobs and wedding planning, Immi is in charge of raising money to build a children’s playground, to celebrate the tenth anniversary of The Santa Ahoy Cruises – her grandfather Tollie’s life work.

With Gray working abroad, Immi is left to cope with everything alone. When a terrible betrayal is uncovered, the whole community of Aysbury is left reeling and Immi is left wondering if there will be a wedding after all…

Let Lucy Coleman transport you away to an unforgettable Cotswolds Christmas full of romance and laughter, friendship and family and much-loved festive traditions. Perfect for all fans of Trisha Ashley, Holly Martin and Sue Moorcroft.

Was so good to be back in Aysbury alongside Immi, Gray, Tollie, Fisher, Val and everyone else. 

It certainly can be read as a standalone though as there is plenty of references to the previous book to catch up on/

Immi has a lot on her plate during this story, and it is hard for her to delegate and even harder for her to admit she needs help with the wedding as she certainly isn't the typical bride. 

Taking place over the space of a year, I loved this latest book from Lucy Coleman, 

With the various fundraising efforts, and so many different storylines, this was a lovely story to read.

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

Book Review - Snowflakes Over The Starfish Café by Jessica Redland

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Title: Snowflakes Over The Starfish Café

Author: Jessica Redland

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 31st August 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

Welcome to The Starfish Café - where you will find stunning views, delicious food and lifelong friendships.

Two broken hearts.

Since she inherited The Starfish Café, Hollie has poured her heart into the business, striving to keep her mother's traditions and warm-hearted spirit alive. But behind closed doors Hollie is searching for true happiness as she grieves the tragic loss of her family who were once the beating heart of the café...

An unexpected meeting.

Jake lives by two rules: don’t let anyone get close and don’t talk about what happened. Little does he know that a chance meeting at The Starfish Café, facilitated by a fluffy lost dog, is about to turn his world upside down...

The chance to love again.

Can Hollie and Jake break down the barriers that have been holding them back from finding love and happiness, before Christmas comes around? After all, with courage, nothing is impossible...

Well Jessica Redland has broken me, put me back together, and broken me again more times than I can count with this simply superb story. 

It really is an emotional rollercoaster of a ride reading this book. Have tissues handy, but also be prepared for some real love and joy and tender moments. 

And an adorably little dog, that is the reason that Hollie meets Jake and the reason that they may both start to heal after years and years of heartache. 

Both their back stories shape their present while at the same time are so key to the story.  We are regularly treated to chapters from both of their pasts, which gives key insights into so so much. 

I just loved every last minute of this book, from the Starfish Cafe and the various regulars, to just what is Jake does on Mondays and the reasons for it. From the depth of emotions at all points, to some of the lighter moments, as this really is an uplifting book and it does leave you with a great big smile. 

This is a new setting for this author, although not far away from her previous books and there are many cameo mentions about characters featuring in her Whitsborough Bay books. 

Fans of Jessica Redland you will know to expect a great deal of heart and depth and this book has it in spades, and if you are new to the author, please don't go into this thinking it will be a light hearted Christmassy book - but go in open minded and you won't be disappointed.  

The run up to Christmas is present but the feel is more that is can be a hard time of year for some but there are still some lovely traditions present too. 

I am utterly convinced this author is getting more and more amazing with each book she writes, and I can never wait for her to write the next!!   Just brilliant. 

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

Book Review - The Wedding Cake Wish by Rosie Green

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Title: The Wedding Cake Wish

Author: Rosie Green

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 12th September 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

Wedding excitement is in the air! With their big day approaching, Fen has her heart set on a gorgeous, intimate celebration with not much fuss at all. But strong-minded mother-of-the-bride Marjery seems to have considerably grander plans. There's also the small problem of a missing best man, and when Fen tasks Hudson Holmes and Ruby Watkiss with the job of tracking him down, their investigations unearth far more secrets than they bargained for. Will the Big Day go ahead in the light of such dramatic revelations? Can a wedding cake wish save the day? One thing's for sure – this will definitely be a wedding to remember!

Well this was the second standalone of the sub-trilogy of Ruby and Hudson cozy mysteries within the larger currently 17 book Little Duck Pond Cafe Series, which I have established after reading the reader note at the end. I'm rather impressed that Rosie Green is able to put a separate trilogy of a slightly diferent genre within the greater rom-comness of the Little Duck Pond Cafe series, while not losing any of the normal feel to the books. 

For we have in alternating view points Ruby's story, and Fen, one of the original Little Duck Pond Cafe Girls, so we get the best of both worlds and it really does work. 

Although what is driving me mad is the will they, won't they become a couple between Ruby and Hudson, even though they have a fabulous dynamic while working on their latest mystery. 

And the reasons that Rory, best man disappears in the run up to the big day, are ones I would never have guessed in a million years, especially the main outcome from it. 

And at the same time was see Fen wondering if the big day will go ahead, as Rob doesn't seem as keen as he should be, while Marjery, her mum is trying to make it the wedding of well Marjery's dreams and not Fen's.  Which is tempering Fen's excitement quite a bit. 

With a missing best man, a new character who seems taken with Hudson and has a hard to argue with connection to him,  overwhelming wedding plans,  the ice sculpture, and a whole lot more both parts of this book work well in tandem. 

And I loved one of the get togethers in the run up to the big day, if it happens, where we get to see all the duck pond cafe girls together which is always great for long running fans of the series. 

I loved this latest addition to Fen's story, and feel this book could like all the others easily be read as a standalone, but why miss out on what is such a fabulous series. 

Another remarkable entry into this long running and always a favourite of mine series! 

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

Book Review - Christmas at Fox Farm by Helen Pollard

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Title: Christmas at Fox Farm

Author: Helen Pollard

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Bookouture 

Publication Date: 29th September 2021

Rating: 4 Stars

At Fox Farm, the village has gathered to decorate the ten-foot tree and carol the night away. Robins dart across frosty hedgerows and holly bushes are covered with ruby-red berries. But this year they will need an extra pinch of festive magic to keep Christmas alive…

Living at Fox Farm, with its cosy café, beautiful pottery studio and charming gift shop, is a dream come true for thirty-one-year-old Daisy. The kindly owner, Jean, and the close-knit village feel like the home and family Daisy has never had. She’s been looking forward to her first magical Christmas in the countryside.

When Jean suddenly falls ill, Daisy is the first to lend a hand. She ropes in Alex – Jean’s handsome but stubborn nephew – to help her. When the pair discover the farm is almost bankrupt, it seems like the annual Christmas celebrations will be cancelled. Alex and Daisy need a plan, and quickly, if they are to pull off Christmas against the odds and save Fox Farm.

From the get-go Daisy and Alex cannot agree on anything, from the mince pie recipe to the colour scheme for the tree. Soon, however, in true Christmas spirit, they find themselves coming together in the face of decorating disasters, tripping over each other at the holiday barn dance and tracking down a missing Santa Claus.

But when Daisy discovers the secret Alex is keeping about the future of Jean’s farm, will she run from the only place that has ever felt like home? Or will she find a way to save Christmas and the farm, and open her heart to a new beginning for her and Alex?

Grab a mug of hot chocolate and a mince pie (or two!) and lose yourself in this utterly charming and romantic holiday tale that proves home is where the heart is. Perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan, Heidi Swain and Holly Martin, this is the book that will make your Christmas!

It's been far too long since I last read a Helen Pollard book, and I had almost forgotten how much I enjoyed them. 

And this new setting of Fox Farm is just lovely. It's not an animal farm, or crop farm, but more a farm that has a cafe, and an art gallery that supports many local artists, run by the seemingly indestructible Jean. 

Well until she falls ill, and her nephew Alex needs to step in and somehow keep things running no only with his own business, but with Fox Farm too, all the while trying to honor Jean's wishes, while keeping the other nephew Sebastian at bay, who is a nasty piece of work with no redeeming features. 

And if Alex isn't busy enough with all of that, there is his fledgling friendship with the artist in residence Daisy, which is anything but simple! 

Set to a backdrop of winter, starting with pumpkin carving and leading up to Christmas, you definitely get a feel for the season.  It's also a good book to read early into your festive reading season, as it didn't really give me Christmassy vibes, but did give me smiling vibes. 

Well apart from when it comes to Sebastian, that was more I want to punch him vibes! But it's a really easy to read, enjoyable story,  that I could picture all so clearly. I enjoyed the writing, and loved the resolution, as well as the journey to get there. 

A very pleasurable book, that has me longing to visit Fox Farm for myself. 

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

Book Review - Christmas by the Coast by Mandy Baggot

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Title: Christmas by the Coast 

Author: Mandy Baggot

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Aria

Publication Date: 2nd September 2021

Rating: 4 Stars

What would you give for a second chance with the one that got away?

'What a jolly holiday of a novel! It was like a big festive hug – warm, funny and oh so romantic. I loved it!' – Holly Martin, author of Sunlight over Crystal Sands

After a terrible heartbreak, Harriet Cookson worked hard to build her life back up. Now she has a dependable boyfriend, a great job and a decent flatshare. But when her beloved grandmother passes away, Harriet drops everything to fly out to the Hamptons to comfort her grieving grandpa.

Christmas is coming and as she arrives on the sandy beaches of her childhood in Montauk, Long Island, Harriet spots someone she never expected to see again – her 'one that got away', ex-soldier Mack Wyatt. Now, Mack is determined to win Harriet back and show her that the life she's been living might be the wrong happily-ever-after.

This Christmas, find out if love letters from the past can pave the way to a brand-new future...

It took me a while to fully get into the book but from about a third in, I couldn't get enough of it. Which is where I started to get a grip on the characters, the dynamics, and the story started to feel that bit more upbeat. 

And where we start learning about the various  Christmas traditions at the tiki cafe in Montauk, that Harriet's grandparents run.  And I do love hearing about various Christmas themed events and these were particularly fun and festive. 

Although Harriet isn't just there to experience Christmas, she is there to comfort her grandpa Joe after her grand passes away suddenly, and while she is there she discovers a blast from the past that has the chance to completely change her life. 

Harriet does have a boyfriend Iain but at no point did I really take to him and it's no coincidence that my enjoyment of the book increased as his presence started to wane a bit! 

This was a really enjoyable novel, that has a great many threads to it, and a large number of characters who are all really distinctive.  I loved Jude, Harriet's fun flatmate, Madame Scarlet, the local mystical woman who senses things, Scooter is adorable, and learning more about Harriet's family rift was also really interesting. 

Mack is wonderful, from early heroics to discovering the harrowing circumstances that changed his life for ever while he was serving in Afghanistan, I couldn't get enough of him. 

Christmas by the Coast is a great festive romance, that I thoroughly enjoyed. 

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

Book Review - Love On Location by Lynne Shelby

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Title: Love on Location

Author: Lynne Shelby

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Headline Accent 

Publication Date: 19th August 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

When Laurel Martin is hired to rewrite the script for a new timeslip blockbuster, she expects the historical advisor hired by the studio to be an elderly academic who won't interfere too much with her writing. But when she meets Professor Jason Harding, a young and unexpectedly handsome archaeologist who has some ideas of his own about the script, she realises the job isn't going to be as simple as she first thought.

As their work takes them from arguing over historical details in a cramped London office to discovering the hidden beauties of a Greek island, Laurel and Jason's relationship starts to echo the romance of their script.

But with Laurel's actor ex-boyfriend making trouble at home, and constant issues with the volatile director, will Laurel and Jason ever be able to write the happy ending for their own story?

Escape with this charming, summery romance, perfect for fans of Sue Moorcroft and Miranda Dickinson.

I was completely enchanted by this book. 

Laurel sees pretty much everything as a film and an ability to re-write the scripts of her own life, so it's rather a good thing she is a scriptwriter. 

Jason is an archaeologist who may no history but has no idea about films who has been hired as a co scriptwriter on a new feature film, to make sure the historical aspects are accurate. 

Their initial attempts at working together don't particularly go that smoothly but slowly they seem to appreciate what each other can bring to the table and when they are asked to spend a few weeks on location in Greece, well sparks start to fly. 

It was interesting seeing Athens through Jason's eyes as he acted as a tour guide to Laurel, and I recognised some of where was being described from a day I've had in Athens myself. 

And I loved the Greek Island setting, and the whole of the story, and not just Laurel and Jason but also her flatmate Amber, and the romance in Amber's life I was engrossed in too. 

This was a thoroughly enjoyable romance set to the backdrop of an unknown Greek Island the world of films.  It's really captured my imagine and was a sheer pleasure to read. 

Thank you to Accent and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily, 

Book Review - Summer in the City by Fiona Collins

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Title: Summer in the City

Author: Fiona Collins

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Transworld Digital

Publication Date: 27th May 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

A beautiful and heart-wrenching story set over one hot summer in London, about a father and daughter who help one another to step out into the world again, perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes and Lucy Diamond.

Prue is not someone you would notice willingly. She likes to keep herself to herself and fade into the background. If it weren't for the birthmark on her left cheek, she might actually succeed at becoming invisible.

She spends all of her time with her blind father, Vince. Scarred by a difficult past, they sit together in silence and ignore the vibrant city just on their doorstep. That is, until something forces them both to go outside and see what they have been missing. For Vince, that means discovering how to see the world without his sight. For Prue, that means finding the courage to finally love and be loved in return.

About family, second chances and finding the courage to face your fears, this is a moving story that will stay with you long after you have finished the last page.

I was tempted to read this book purely by the gorgeous cover and knowing that I have enjoyed Fiona Collins light hearted rom-coms in the past. 

What I didn't anticipate having not really read the blurb was just how impressive this book would be, and just how much depth there is to it. 

It's the story of a re-awakening for both Prue and her father Vince. They have both been floundering for many years and not really living at all, just barely existing and barely communicating.   Prue has a birthmark on her cheek that makes her self conscious and really effects her confidence and self worth.   Vince, became blind when Prue was only 10 years old, and is allergic to dogs, so can no longer have a guide dog. 

Slowly they start to go on days out into London together with various effects. And the change in both of them is gradual but its great character development, and felt realistic. 

We learn about some horrible things that have happened in Prue's past which contributed to her trying to hide from the world.  We discover just was happened to her mother too. There is a rebuilding of emotional connections and there is the possibility of love if she is brave enough. 

Certainly an eye opening account of what life with a blind person could be like, and I can only guess that large amounts of research were involved. 

This is a touching and heartwarming book and it completely captured my imagination and got me thinking.  

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

Book Review - Meet Me In Tahiti by Georgia Toffolo - #HolidayReading #UKCruise

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Title: Meet Me In Tahiti

Author: Georgia Toffolo

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Mills & Boon

Publication Date: 26th August 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

Where there’s always a second chance at first love…

Zoe has spent her life facing battles: fighting her parents for independence, struggling with her feelings for local bad boy Finn and, after a car accident at eighteen, adjusting to the fact she would not walk again. She remained strong until the day Finn, the person she thought she could trust, broke her heart… Now a successful travel writer, Zoe is excited to review a new luxury hotel in the beautiful South Pacific – until she meets its owner…

Finn was never good enough for Zoe. He knew it. Zoe’s family knew it. The village of Hawkes Cove made sure he knew it. Proven when he let her down in the worst way possible. Now a successful businessman, he thought his past was behind him, until a journalist turns up to review his new resort…

As Finn shows Zoe the exotic wonders of the islands both face the fact their shared past might just be the beginning of a future. But only if Zoe can win the biggest battle of her life…facing up to her heart’s desire.

I am completely hooked on this series of books and couldn't wait to get my eyes stuck into Meet Me In Tahiti.

For a start can you think of a more picture perfect setting for a romance, its got stunning backdrops and all the little local bits of knowledge sounded rather authentic, so definitely well researched. 

And Zoe is just a fabulous protagonist, she is gutsy and tries her hardest to be independent, and not rely on too many people despite one rather obvious part of her that many people just don't know how to react to. 

So in some ways I feel it was fitting that I was reading this during the Paralympics, and just love Zoe's attitude to life. 

She's a travel writer, rarely does the basic press junkets but was on this one as a last min replacement and thus had no idea that the owner of this luxury resort is Finn, the one who got away so many years before. 

In fact Finn is equally shocked to see Zoe and seeing how they interact over the course of the book gave so many useful insights into both of their characters. 

And of course the rest of the lost hours girls are present over the phone for Zoe too, so great to catch up with Malie and Victoria from the previous books and I am already looking forward to Lily's story next!  

Its an all around joyful piece of escapist writing that I loved every single word of.  Would love some more books set in places like Tahiti and Hawaii as I'd be first in line to read them!

Thank you to Mills & Boon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily, 

Book Review - The Ticklemore Tavern by Liz Davies

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Title: The Ticklemore Tavern

Author: Liz Davies

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 1st September 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

Violet makes her own gin.

Logan Cassidy sells it in his pub, the Ticklemore Tavern.

It should have been a match made in heaven, especially since the pair of them fancy the socks off each other, and they are both young, free and single.

Except...

Logan’s mum, Marie, doesn’t think Violet is good enough for her son. No woman is, or ever will be. And when she becomes ill, Logan is torn between looking after his mum or following his heart.

However, neither Logan, nor Marie, has taken the sheer force of nature that is Violet into account. What Violet wants, Violet gets.

Usually...

But maybe not this time, eh?

Perfect for fans of Daisy James and Holly Martin

It is so good to be back in Ticklemore and although she isn't the main character, fans of the series will be delighted with the role Hattie has in this latest book - she is at her absolute finest, and between the four Ticklemore books has cemented a place in my heart forever! 

But this book isn't actually about Hattie, although I'm sure she thinks it might be.  It's the story of Logan and Violet, the pub landlord and the gin distiller! 

They have a clear attraction from their first meeting but what is even clearer is Logan's mother, Marie's behaviour.  I really didn't take to Marie at all, and I'm sorry to say rolled my eyes at most of what she was saying.  

Yet Violet and Logan are wonderful, they are both loving caring people,  and I loved their interactions. And the variety of flavoured gins that Violet is able to create is rather impressive too. 

Possibly not my favourite of this excellent series, but still a great addition to it, and I loved reading every second of this book.  I just wish I'd had more time to read it in longer spurts, I wanted to but real life was getting in my way.   

Easily readable as a standalone, this does let us see even briefly all the main characters in the previous books up to this point, as well as this new focal couple. It's just a really easy read and has you rooting for Violet and Logan despite Marie. 

I really hope this isn't the last we have seen of Ticklemore, as I definitely want more - the second the author can think of another tongue twisting title! 

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

Book Review - A Midwinter Match by Jane Lovering

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Title: A Midwinter Match

Author: Jane Lovering

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 19th August 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

Ruby Oldbridge needs to learn to take her own advice. 

A brilliant counsellor at work in York, she is however floundering in her own life. Her romantic track record is woeful, her finances are in a pickle, and she’s back in a house-share after splitting up with her useless ex.

But one thing Ruby is brilliant at, is helping other people find a way through their problems, and she excels at the job she loves, doing just that. 

Happy-go-lucky, Mr Positivity, Zac Drewe also loves his job – the trouble is, it’s the same as Ruby’s, and the management have decided to ‘rationalise’ their department. There’s only room for one of them.

As the snow and winter close in on York, Ruby and Zac have everything to lose, and Ruby starts to wonder if the happy face Zac shows the world, might be disguising a sadder secret. 

Set against one another, they are unlikely friends. But perhaps, if they could take the time to understand each other, they might discover that rather than rivals, they could be the best thing that ever happened to one another… 

Funny, fresh and fantastically warm-hearted, discover Jane Lovering’s unforgettable new cast of characters and irresistible, feel-good story. Perfect for fans of Julie Houston, Beth O’Leary and Kate Forster

It's been at least a few years since I last read a Jane Lovering book, and having just finished A Midwinter Match, I can't for the life of me work out why I left it so long to read another!  For this is fabulous. 

The characters are incredibly real, they really do jump off the page and into your hearts, their struggles become yours and I found myself hoping things would improve for them. 

There is a huge mental health theme in this book, which is dealt with sensitively and that is just one of a few trickier topics that are covered, adding to the grit and realism of this story. 

Ruby and Zac are basically up against each other for the same job after a merger in their companies, and have very different ways of doing their job.  They are counsellors to help people work out how go get themselves back into the workplace.  And I loved Ruby's huge compassion throughout the book. 

And their big "problem" client I really liked, and loved seeing how Ruby tried to help her. 

Set to a Yorkshire winter backdrop, this was a great snapshot at Ruby and Zac's lives, and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them both.  This really was a book with heart and grit, and had me smiling for the conclusion. 

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