Book Review - Girls Just Want To Have Sun by Jo Lyons

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Title: Girls Just Want To Have Sun

Author: Jo Lyons

Format reviewed: Ebook 

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 14th June 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

She never expected to find herself in Benidorm. But when life gives you lemons, add a shot of tequila...

Connie’s singing career isn’t exactly going to plan. On a final warning from her agent and failing every big audition, she’s desperate for a fresh start. So when she lands a last-minute gig in Benidorm (of all places) she jumps at the chance – despite knowing she’s completely out of her depth.

Thrown into the wild world of the Dollz, a cocktail-fuelled girl group who love glitter as much as they love drama, Connie struggles to fit in. Then there’s Matteo – the brooding, annoyingly attractive local who seems to be everywhere she turns, throwing her further off course.

As she stumbles through a week of sun, surprises and absolute chaos, Connie has to decide: is this rock bottom, or can she find her own way to shine?

A hilarious, feel-good novel about finding your confidence, chasing your dreams, and embracing the unexpected. The perfect beach read for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Lindsey Kelk and Olivia Spring.

Well I think I have found a new favourite author! This was completely and utterly hilarious and is the sort of book that should be read on everyone's summer holidays. 

It's just a whole lot of fun, and I was laughing out loud within the first 10% which doesn't happen that often.  There is something about this author's way with words and how she describes the utterly bonkers situations that Connie and Matteo continually find themselves in that is just so so funny. 

And we get a great feel for the main strip in Benidorm, I can't say I will definitely add it to my holiday plans in the next couple of years, as I don't think I drink enough to get the full benefit, but the amount of tribute acts about, makes me thing I'd enjoy some of the entertainment on the strip! 

Connie and the Dollz are like chalk and cheese, and seeing how their relationships change over the course of the week is really heartening to see.  They start with the Dollz treating Connie as their skivvy, and then forgetting she exists and leaving places without her.  But as dramas ensue on the strip that never sleeps, and with a high energy week ahead of them, partying hard and allegedly working, things do improve. 

Although the amount of farcical drama in this is brilliant. 

In fact this would make a fabulous rom-com film for the big screen, I would love to see the Dollz actually do their amazing routings, and seeing them strut around in some outrageous costumes. 

I couldn't get enough of this book and I was over the moon to discover this is just the first book of a trilogy.  I literally can't wait to read the others. 

This is 100% my sort of book, it is so entertaining and is brilliant light hearted escapism.  Simply superb! 

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

Book Review - The House on Waterfall Hill by Holly Martin

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Title: The House on Waterfall Hill

Author: Holly Martin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 6th June 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

Escape to the golden sands and sparkling waves of Lovegrove Bay. This delicious romance from the multi-million bestselling author will have you falling head-over heels this summer. Love is in the air and maybe a new beginning...

For Flick Hunter the beautiful seaside town of Lovegrove Bay has always had a special place in her heart. Her grandparents’ quirky house on Waterfall Hill with its giant, wonky sycamore tree and rustic art studios has been the setting for every magical summer since Flick can remember. So when her grandmother tasks her with turning around the fortunes of Waterfall House Flick jumps at the chance. But with six months to make a profit before her grandmother is forced to sell, the clock is ticking…

Luckily resident artist and Flick’s new and incredibly handsome flatmate, Luke Donnelly, is keen to help. From the moment they meet Flick feels a connection she’s never felt before. And Luke’s desire to keep the art studios alive ignites a passion between them that Flick’s heart didn’t see coming. There’s just one problem: Luke is about to move to the other end of the country for reasons he’s keeping close to his chest.

Determined to avoid heartbreak and with her family’s legacy to save, Flick tries to keep things professional. But love has a funny way of conquering all, even when the odds are stacked against it…

Treat yourself to this gorgeous, feel-good, scorcher of a love story, perfect for fans of Veronica Henry, Sue Moorcroft and Jill Mansell.

I loved every single thing about this book. 

Do I really need to say more? I mean it's a Holly Martin book, it has a wonderful grand romantic gesture that she is so fabulous at writing, there is great humour, great sex, and two wonderful main characters. 

And it has a brilliant new setting, and I absolutely loved reasoning behind why the art studios that Flick has been asked to try to save, were set up in the first place. 

Luke is a bit nerdy, but there is something always rather attractive about a nerd, especially if they have similar interested to you, and the tongue tied nature he has around Flick, along with their memorable first meeting, and various awkward early conversations are just so sweet and adorable and made me love both characters all the more for it. 

I really enjoyed the various crafts that were being displayed in the studio and watching Luke run a workshop made me fall for him even more. 

This is an all around lovely easy read, that is Holly Martin at her finest. 

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

Book Review - Dancing in the Moonlight by Lynne Shelby - #HolidayReading Tenerife

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Title: Dancing in the Moonlight

Author: Lynne Shelby

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self published

Publication Date: 11th March 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

When dancer Nell Avery auditions for Speakeasy, a new West End musical, she is shocked to discover that the choreographer is Finn Harris, a man she never expected to see again.

Ten years ago, Nell and Finn had a casual, no-strings fling. He left London to work abroad. Nell found herself pregnant.

Having made the decision to raise her child alone, Nell didn’t tell Finn that he was the father, a secret easy for her to keep while he was hundreds of miles away. But now Finn is back – and he offers Nell a role in Speakeasy’s cast.

Nell knows if she takes the job she risks Finn finding out her secret, with unimaginable consequences for the life she has made for herself and her daughter, Savannah. But Speakeasy could be Nell’s only chance of dancing on a West End stage – the dream she’s had ever since she first put on a pair of tap shoes. How can she give up her dream?

Nell accepts the role, telling herself that all she has to do is keep away from Finn . . .

I devoured this over the course of a morning while on holiday. As a massive musical theatre fan, I suspected this might be right up my street, and I was definitely correct. 

I couldn't get enough of Nell and Finn's story.  i was hooked from the first audition, and cheering Nell on especially throughout. 

I adored seeing how all the stages of a new musical come together, and just how much hard work it really is, and how bitchy some dancers can be. 

I got a real feel for Speakeasy the west end show at the heart of this book, and in my mind it almost certainly had 42nd Street vibes. 

There is a romance, which I enjoyed but honestly my real love and my heart with this book was on all the theatre bits, with anything else completely secondary in my mind! 

Absolutely adored this from start to finish. 

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

Book Review - Wish You Were Here by Alex Brown

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Title: Wish You Were Here

Author: Alex Brown

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 10th April 2025

Rating: 4 Stars

Deedee Merriman loves her job running a travel agency but with turnover down and a big birthday fast approaching she’s thinking about the next chapter of her life and the changes she wants to make.

Determined to stay vibrant and keep a youthful outlook on life she invites her friends, Gina and Rosie to celebrate with her in New York, one of her favourite places and where she feels closest to her late husband, Joe.

On arrival, there’s a surprise, secret gift in store for Deedee of a small, ramshackle beach house in the beautiful Hamptons where Joe spent his childhood. But the house isn’t the only secret and discovering the truth will change everything….

Wish You Were Here is an emotional, romantic story about female friendship and finding love after loss in the city that never sleeps and the sand dunes with stunning sunsets of the Hamptons.

What a truly lovely book this was. 

I really enjoyed catching back up with Deedee, Gina and Rosie, as they come together to celebrate Deedee's 70th birthday in New York. 

Little do they know their trip is going to distracted by surprises beyond the grave by Joe who must have been the world's best man. From memories of him, and just what he had planned for Deedee, it's clear he was a gentleman, a romantic and all around good guy. 

It's good to see how the friends are all dealing with various things in their own lives, and just how much Deedee develops and changes over the course of this trip to New York.  It was great to see her zest for life getting stronger the whole time. 

This was such an enjoyable story, and I loved Rosie's enthusiasm for hoping to see all the places made famous by movies.  And I loved the descriptions of McDreamy too! 

This is a gorgeous story, and a joy to have read. 

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

Book Review - The Lighthouse Daughters of Puffin Island by Christie Barlow - #HolidayReading Tenerife

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Title: The Lighthouse Daughters of Puffin Island

Author: Christie Barlow

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 28th February 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

A blast from her past…

Having narrowly avoided losing everything to her romance scammer ex, artist Delilah Waters is done with men and focused entirely on her quest to buy Puffin Island’s magical lighthouse. It’s a crucial piece of her own family’s history and the perfect space to turn into her home. But then Max Harrington walks through her door.

…puts her future in question.

Her feelings for her former art teacher might have been forbidden at the time, but now he’s back, and single, and there’s no denying that the attraction is mutual! But when something seems too good to be true, it normally is, and Dilly soon makes a shocking discovery that changes everything for her and Max. Now she’ll have to call upon the same fortitude as her beloved lighthouse if she’s to weather the storm headed her way…

OMG Christie Barlow has done it again. and written a totally unputdownable, completely devourable book, that I couldn't' get enough of. 

I am absolutely adoring this new Puffin Island series so far, catching up with recurring characters and meeting new ones. 

And this is a book that opens with high drama that had me instantly intrigued and drawn in, and that ends with me almost in tears at such a gorgeous ending. 

In between we have even more fabulousness, as Dilly and Max start to get to know each other. 

This is a very moving and poignant story in places, while being heartwarming and addictive in others.  I just can't get enough of any of these characters.  Just brilliant. 

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

Book Review - The Paris Bookshop For The Broken-Hearted by Rebecca Raisin

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Title: The Paris Bookshop For The Broken-Hearted

Author: Rebecca Raisin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher:  Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 3rd February 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

A heartwarming bookish romance from the bestselling author of Summer at the Santorini Bookshop, Rebecca Raisin!

Perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan, Eliza J. Scott and Lucy Score!

Coco is having a hell of a month. She’s lost her boyfriend and her business, been forced to uproot her daughter to move back in with her parents in Paris, and now an infuriatingly handsome stranger is yelling at her for acting like a tourist… Right underneath the Eiffel Tower.

Storming away from him – and swearing off men for life – she decides she’s going to take the first job that comes her way.

Then, as if fate hears her, later that day she stumbles into a little bookshop – but not any old bookshop. This one comes complete with a café, cocktail bar, reading room and secret tunnel of books, and just a little hint of magic in the air. So when Coco’s offered a job selling books there, it feels like the perfect fit.

There’s only one problem… propping up the bar in the bookshop is none other than the grumpy, gorgeous stranger she’d met earlier that day…

I am loving Rebecca Raisin's Paris set books and this was no exception. 

And its a must for book lovers, as what is better than a bookshop that appears to possibly mend broken hearts.  Or that broken hearted and lonely people seem to gravitate towards without even realising. 

Coco has moved back to Paris with teen daughter Eloise, after she is caught up in a scandal and needs to regroup.  However Eloise is not so happy about it, and her storyline is one that many teens would relate to, in addition to anyone that remembers that age of their own lives. 

Coco stumbles across this bookshop and is offered a job there, so long as she can control the rather unruly bookclub - which I'm fairly sure have featured in one of the authors books before (at least they seemed so familiar to me that I have to believe that or I'm rather confused). 

Coco also keeps running into Henri, who I really took too. He's gorgeous, bookish and some of the dialogue between them is hilarious, although after their first few meetings she is less sure about him. 

I loved everything about this book, and it really made my heart sing as I read it.  Another Parisian masterpiece from this talented author. 

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

Book Review - Over The Sea To Skye by Sue Moorcroft - #HolidayReading Tenerife

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Title: Over The Sea To Skye

Author: Sue Moorcroft

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: 5th June 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

One summer on a beautiful island could change everything…

Valentina Taylor's life has been upended. With her marriage over, and unsure of what her future holds, she heads to the Isle of Skye for the summer with her young son, Barnaby.

But the journey there sets her on a new path, when she meets Xander Courage on the train – a charming American, running from problems of his own. After sparks fly, they go their separate ways. But on this small island, they’re never far from one another…

Skye offers Valentina the refuge she needs as she whiles away the long summer days at her beachside cottage, enjoying visits from her sisters, Thea and Ezzie. But when bad news from home throws her Scottish idyll into turmoil, Valentina finds herself pulled away from the place – and people – that she loves.

Valentina knows she must confront her heart’s desires – but can she let go of the past and embrace the future she deserves?

Lose yourself in a heartfelt story of second chances, love, and self-discovery, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Isle of Skye. Perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan and Karen Swan.

How good was it to be back on the Isle of Skye and with the Wynter sisters again. 

I felt right at home in this book very quickly, and it was wonderful getting to know Valentina and her son Barnaby a whole lot better. 

While catching up with everyone from the previous two books. 

And Valentina who is just on Skye for the the summer, is hoping for a nice peaceful break to regroup before knowing she needs to move on with her life. 

But between chance meetings of Americans on the train from Inverness, to a horrible accident involving her ex-husband, there is a whole lot going on for her suddenly, and I really felt for her being pulled in various directions. 

And add in all of that she discovers messages from a DNA site,  which throw her into turmoil too. 

This is one action packed summer, with plenty to keep a reader entertained with.  I was totally enjoying all of it and thought it was a lovely way to end this trilogy.  

Excellent writing as always from Sue Moorcroft, and a joy to read. 

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

Book Review - Hope Street by Mike Gayle

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Title: Hope Street

Author: Mike Gayle

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Publication Date: 6th February 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

Lila Metcalfe is a trainee journalist in Derby and she's very used to being given the stories that no one else wants. So, when her editor tells her that the city's Cossington Park development is being held up by a solitary resident on Hope Street who is refusing to leave, she knows she is going to be the one sent to find out more. And that's how she meets Connor.

Twenty-something Connor is the sole resident of Hope Street and he is not at all what Lila is expecting. And he has a very clear reason not to move: he is waiting for his mum to come home.

Wow. I think Mike Gayle may actually be getting even more impressive with each book and I've read almost all of his so I am a massive fan. 

The last quarter of the book I devoured, so completely absorbed by it, that my mum got worried I hadn't responded to her messenger message so 20 mins later decided to ring me to check I was still alive! - I was and was rather annoyed that she had interrupted a key point in the story. 

From the moment we meet Connor, I was intrigued. He just wants to stay in the house he has lived in his whole life, and hope that his mother who disappeared 3 years ago, will come back and can find him in their house.

But the council just needs him out so they can demolish the whole street as part of a new development project. 

Lila, who is a local journalist discovers this and makes it her mission to try to get some answers for Connor.  And in doing so gets to know his best friend Marcus very well too. 

There are many ups and downs in this book but at the heart of it, is a commentary on who society treats someone who is just a bit different.  Connor is a lovely person and doesn't deserve to be treated how he is by many a fair few over the course of the story.  

Thankfully he does have a lot of people on his side too, even if they all think there is no hope of his mother ever returning.  

This is such a heartwarming and tear jerking book. It's an absolute delight to read, and I couldn't get enough of Lila, Connor and Marcus.

Completely and utterly brilliant. 

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

Book Review - I Did Warn Her by Sian Gilbert

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Title: I Did Warn Her

Author: Sian Gilbert

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Penguin

Publication Date: 3rd July 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

WHEN THERE'S BLOOD IN THE WATER, A FEEDING FRENZY IS SURE TO FOLLOW . . .

The Ophelia is your typical superyacht: luxurious, owned by a ruthless billionaire and staffed by crew who have just one job: keep the guests happy, whatever it takes. Sasha is the latest hire on a week-long Atlantic crossing, and she fits right in. In fact, she could be mistaken for any of the stewardesses: tall, blonde and model gorgeous.

But despite its sleek opulence, the Ophelia isn’t as heavenly as it seems. And when one of the stewardesses is found dead after a night of partying, all eyes turn to Sasha. But she’s not the only one with something to hide and below deck, nothing stays hidden for long.

Endlessly twisty and delightfully voyeuristic, I Did Warn Her is a whodunnit on the high seas, where the dark secrets of the ultra-wealthy have nowhere to hide.

Wow, this drew me in instantly and I was hooked throughout. 

The short sharp chapters made it very easy to whizz through, and even having chapters focusing on all the various stewardesses, who all look identical as per the owner's preferences, it's made quite easy to tell whose chapter it is as they do have distinct personalities.  We also get to focus on one of the guests on board and Jasmine is one of my favourite characters. 

I also love Sasha the new junior stew, who is running away from life, and thought working on a superyacht would be just the ticket.  Well until things start to go wrong, as no matter how big, sleek and shiny the Ophelia looks, internally well it's not great. 

There are things going missing, including staff, and not just this charter season either. 

I absolutely love a thriller based on a super yacht and this was no exception. I had no idea what was going to happen next, or who the killer was, but one this is for sure this is one super bitchy crew and no one seems to really get along with anyone else. 

This is definitely where you end up keeping your enemies close, and where all the normal rules go out the window once you are out at sea. 

With a final quarter that had me unable to look away, unable to do anything than keep reading as the drama ramps up. I was never sure how it would end and I am so glad I have now discovered this author. I was totally enthralled by every aspect of this book. 

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

Book Review - A Cornish Love Story by Cressida McLaughlin

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Title: A Cornish Love Story

Author: Cressida McLaughlin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: 19th June 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

The most romantic house in Cornwall has got a new owner…

Journalist Georgie Monroe has watched as it has been transformed into a high-tech glass palace, renovated by a mystery buyer.

When she’s invited to report on an event there, she comes face to face not only with her first love, architect Ethan Sparks, but also with their complicated past. Finding themselves trapped inside when the house malfunctions, Georgie realises that they — and the house — are still keeping secrets.

But have Georgie and Ethan left it too late to start again, or can they write the next chapter of their love story together?

This is Cressida McLaughlin at her very best. 

And it also raises very good talking points about AI and how dangerous a smart house could potentially be.

After all Georgie goes to the open house to see the newly designed house that was originally the inspiration for her favourite books of all time, and that played a big part in her life as a teenager too - she definitely wasn't expecting to end up trapped in it overnight, with Ethan. 

Ah Ethan, who she had an intense romance with when she was 18, her first love, and then things went sour. She hasn't seen him in many years, but he is the architect of this revamped house. 

Told in two timelines of present day, and that summer that they were together, we get to know Ethan, Georgie, their friends and family and see just what happened back then. 

I loved the high tech nature of the house, just how key this building is in both timelines. It's a gorgeous romance that also includes a love story (Georgie will explain the difference between them when you read it).  

I love this author and I was totally absorbed in the pages of this book. I had a great time devouring this story and am always eager to see what she will write next. 

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