Book Review - The Temp by Michelle Frances

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Title: The Temp

Author: Michelle Frances

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Pan

Publication Date: 20th September 2018

Rating: 4 Stars

No one was going to replace her. Were they?

Carrie is a successful TV producer in a high pressure job. She’s talented, liked, and well-respected. She and her husband, Adrian, an award-winning screenwriter, decided years before that they didn’t want children. But now, just as they’re both at the pinnacle of their careers, she has discovered she is pregnant, and is shocked to find that she wants to keep the baby. But in a competitive industry where time off is seen as a sign of weakness, Carrie looks on the prospect of maternity leave with trepidation.

Enter Emma, the temp, who is everything she could wish for as her cover: smart, willing and charming. Carrie fears that Emma is manoeuvring her way into Carrie’s life, causing turmoil in both her marriage and her work as she does so. The problem is everyone else adores her . . .

Increasingly isolated from Adrian and her colleagues, Carrie begins to believe Emma has an agenda. Does Emma want her job? Or is she after even more?

Thoroughly gripping story that by the last quarter had me on the edge of my seat while I saw how everything unfurled.  

To start with this feels like a nice reasonably gentle women's fiction novel,  about a couple who are having a baby, but the father is rather reluctant, and the mother is fearing for her job while she is on maternity leave.  All issues that people face on a regular basis. 

However it soon becomes apparent that there is something just isn't quite right with Emma, the temp, yes she is amazing at her job but I found it hard to warm to her. I wasn't too keen on her parents either who just didn't understand their daughter. 

As events unfold, the tension ramps up, and its becomes a more compelling read,  and slightly unsettling, as everything was a bit too realistic and easy to believe!   

With each chapter, the focus was on a different character,  so we did get to know all the main protagonists, especially Carrie and Emma very well.   I'm not sure how much I particularly liked anyone apart from Carrie who I did enjoy but the others weren't horrible, they were just harder to like, and the reasons do become apparent as you read. 

This was the first book I have read by the author and I would be tempted to read more.  The writing really drew me in and I'm sure accounted to my disturbed sleep, last night!  

This was a very good book, which for most of the first half I wasn't too surprised by but then the second half ramped it up a notch and I was completely wrong footed with the outcomes. 

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

Book Review - The Little Paris Patisserie by Julie Caplin

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Title: The Little Paris Patisserie 

Author: Julie Caplin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: 6th September 

Rating: 5 Stars

In a cosy corner of Paris, a delicious little patisserie is just waiting to be discovered. And romance might just be on the menu…

As the youngest of four, Nina Hadley has always had her big brothers telling her what to do. So, when she’s given the chance to move to Paris and help run a patisserie course, she can’t say au revoir quick enough!

There’s just one problem: high-flying chef Sebastian Finlay is the owner of the patisserie. He’s also her brother Nick’s best friend – and the man she has secretly been in love with since forever.

Amongst the mouth-wateringly delicious eclairs and delicate macaroons, Nina’s culinary creations aren’t the only tempting thing she’s working with…

The Little Paris Patisserie is another gem in this series, and one I am incredibly excited to be able to shout about! 

My only regret with regards to reading this book is that I couldn't quite find enough time to sit and read it in one sitting,  as it was just so, so so good!! Everytime I put it down the characters stayed in my head for hours, and I just loved Nina and Sebastian and all those on the patisserie course. 

Ok there was a second regret that I wasn't reading this in a patisseries myself, as I wanted nothing more than to scoff all of the incredibly yummy food that was being produced,  and I am partial to an eclair or two, and the macarons sounds fabulous too.  Not to mention the visit to Ladurée and other patisserie's in Paris which all sounded so different but with gorgeous decors and sumptuous sounding treats. 

I really don't want to tell you anything else about the book as its s so amazing and has some wonderful threads running though it, that starting with no info is good, as it will heighten your enjoyment, as you see how everything comes together. 

I mean obviously there is Patisserie - both the place and the act of making delicious pastry and delicate treats,  there is a sexy man who Nina knew well already as he is her best friends brother, there are all manner of fabulous people learning the art of patisserie from a course owner who is reluctant to be running it and a would have rather Nina wasn't his assistant. 

Oh and its in Paris, which means we get to experience aspects of Paris from the point of view of someone who has never been, and her new found friends.  There are secrets, discoveries, eclairs (did I already mention those), and some clear tension. Add in some great  dialogue,  a couple of really fun outings  and of course fabulous writing and storytelling from Julie Caplin and you have a wonderful book.  

I'm over the moon to see this isn't the last of this amazing series, and really looking forward to reading the next one already.  If you love your romantic comedy books, or ones featuring tantalising food, then definitely make sure to add this to your TBR pile today! 

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

Book Review - The Oddest Little Romance Shop by Beth Good

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Title: The Oddest Little Romance Shop

Author: Beth Good

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author suppliedcopy

Publisher: Quercus

Publication Date: 30th August 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Izzie has the perfect plan for a perfect life. Work hard, get married, settle down, start a family. But when a mysterious Valentine's day card arrives, asking in a bold scrawl, 'Will you marry me?', it upends everything.
Because Izzie thought she'd found Mr Right - and the card isn't from him.

Puzzled, she sets out to discover the identity of her secret admirer . . . and is shocked by the truth. Torn in two directions, Izzie doesn't know what to do.

Should she stick to the plan, or is it time to take life in a bold new direction?

What an incredibly sweet romance, that was also completely odd - but there was no shop really in the book to complete the title. 

What we do have is a prologue that enticed me into read more of the book, and a series of events that unfurled with a great deal of drama and intrigue. 

This is one fast paced book where the only thing I was sure of what that Izzie was definitely planning on marrying the wrong man at the start.  What I couldn't have predicted was how her true love would appear into the book, and the true nature of her fiancee. 

This was incredibly short and was a very fast read, I think it took me an hour in two sittings to read, and that's only because starting great books at 2:30am to tend to mean I need to put them down shortly afterwards for sleep!   

I loved every moment of this quirky little story, and just couldn't wait to see what direction it would go in next. 

Thank you to Beth Good for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Love at the Northern Lights by Darcie Boleyn

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Title:  Love at the Northern Lights

Author: Darcie Boleyn

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Canelo

Publication Date: 17th September 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Runaway bride Frankie Ashford hops a plane to Norway with one goal in mind - find her estranged mother and make peace with the past. But when a slip on the ice in Oslo lands her directly in Jonas Thorsen’s viking-strong arms, her single-minded focus drifts away in the winter winds.

When it comes to romance Jonas knows that anything he and Frankie share has an expiration date - the British heiress has a life to return to in London that’s a world away from his own. But family is everything to Jonas and, as the one man who can help Frankie find the answers she’s seeking, he’ll do whatever it takes to help her reunite with her mother.

Now, as Christmas draws closer and the northern lights work their magic Frankie and Jonas will have to make a choice...play it safe or risk heartbreak to take a chance on love.

From its stunning cover, the hilarious first few chapters, and then the way the story develops, well this is just fabulous.   A heartwarming tale taking in a runaway bride, a trip to Norway, finding a parent and even more, discovering yourself too. 

Where do I start in explaining how much I loved this book - when I wasn't reading it I was wondering why, when I was I was hoping the ended would never appear, as I was enjoying the story so much. 

There are many directions and subplots, most of which I didn't predict which just added to the compelling qualities of this story.  There were some fabulous storylines, great writing, beautiful descriptions, some emotion, plenty of laughs and some romance too - I mean what else do you need - and I did I mention it also features a trip to see the Northern Lights, a sexy photographer, a quaint art gallery and a good idea of what Oslo is like in November. 

I would say this is more of a wintery book, perfect to read curled up by the fire, although I may have been just as content reading it in the sun during August! Most of the story is set in November, so its not what I would classify a Christmas book per se, more one that could be read at any time of the year, although Christmas does feature. 

I loved almost all the characters in this, apart from Frankie's grandma, but I could understand her towards the end at least.   I just got such a great feeling reading this that I can't really put into words, and' I don't really want to to comment on the plot as I think its best left to be discovered for yourself. 

This really is a wonderful book to add you your must reads stack for this winter, and its one of my favourites from this author.  

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

Book Review - A Summer Scandal by Kat French - #HolidayReading Book 16

Book 16 of 28 read on my holiday to Cyprus in June 2018.

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Title: A Summer Scandal

Author: Kat French

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: 28th June 2018 

Rating: 5 Stars

Summer has never been so scandalous…

When Violet moves to Swallow Beach, she inherits a small Victorian pier with an empty arcade perched on the end of it, and falls in love immediately. She wants nothing more than to rejuvenate it and make it grand again – but how?

When she meets hunky Calvin, inspiration strikes. What if she turned the arcade into an adult-themed arcade full of artisan shops?

Not everyone in the town is happy with the idea, but Violet loves her arcade and business begins to boom. But as tensions worsen and the heat between her and Calvin begins to grow, life at Swallow Beach becomes tricky. Is it worth staying to ride out the storm? And can Violet find her own happy ending before the swallows fly south for the winter?

Sexy, sassy and full of heart, Kat French is back in a new summer sizzler

I have read many books featuring surprise inheritances, but I do have to say this is the first time I've read one involving an old Victorian pier in a seaside resort. 

And the plan that Violet puts into place for this pier is very imaginative, and I loved seeing how this story developed.

So much of this book made me smile, and i loved meeting all the residents of Swallow Beach.

There are even some secrets from the past to be unravelled too. 

If you are wanting to spend the summer with a fun story, set in a lesser known tourist resort, and discover just what to do when you inherit a pier, then this is definitely the book for you. 

Even as I was reading my next few books after this, I still had Swallow Beach and the pier in my mind, to the extent I thought I was still in this book, which to me is the mark of a very good book! 

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

Book Review - Daisy's Vintage Cornish Camper Van by Ali McNamara - #HolidayReading Book 15

Book 15 of 28 read on my holiday to Cyprus in June 2018.

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Title:  Daisy's Vintage Cornish Camper Van

Author: Ali McNamara

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Sphere

Publication Date: 14th June 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Welcome to the gorgeous Cornish town of St Felix, where there's magic in the air...

When Ana inherits a broken-down camper van from her best friend, she takes the chance for a quick trip to Cornwall - some sea air and fish and chips on the beach is just the tonic she needs.

But St Felix has bigger plans for Ana. She discovers a series of unsent postcards, dating back to the 1950s, hidden in the upholstery of the van. Ana knows that it's a sign: she'll make sure that the messages reach the person that they were meant for. And as the broken-down van is restored to gleaming health, so Ana begins to find her way back to happiness.

As a long term fan of Ali McNamara I was delighted to see a return to St. Felix in this book, and to be able to catch up with old favourite characters, while thoroughly enjoying  a brand new standalone story. 

In recent years there was always been something in this authors books that will make you scratch your head in wonder, or make you highly skeptical, and this is no exception, and I was almost on the look out for it!

In fact what on the surface is a rather simple story, has quite a few layers and subplots to it.  

I just loved the story of the Campervan and its role in a new romance and a mystery. 

I couldn't have predicted some of the outcomes if I had tried and the journey is one that hooked me in, and had me enthralled. 

This is another gem of a book by a really talented must read, and favourite author of mine. 

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

Book Review - Lost Innocence by M. A. Comley

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Title:  Lost Innocence

Author: M. A. Comley

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Jeamel Publishing Limited

Publication Date: 15th September 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

A chance encounter...

Leads to devastating consequences.

The statistics for missing children are staggering and emotionally hard to deal with even for the hardest of detectives. 

DI Sally Parker and her cold case team need to have their wits about them when two very different cases land on her desk. 

Can she solve the mystery of where the bodies are buried? 

Past experience tells her that cold cases have a tendency to unearth surprising secrets. 

The emotions of the families involved are raw during the course of the investigations but nothing can prepare them for the surprising outcome each case delivers.

Can Sally solve the cases before a distraught family member of one of the victims is laid to rest?

What a fascinating insight into how a police team solves cold cases.  

This was the first book I have read in the D. I. Sally Parker series,  and I am delighted to say that it can be read as a standalone, asI had no prior knowledge, but didn't feel I was at a disadvantage, although I'm sure a few of the references to the past would have meant more had I started at the beginning.  

Having read this talented authors Justice series, but not her other books I was eager to try another series when the opportunity arose. And I am delighted that I have read this one as I know I will now be hooked on Sally and her team's story. 

It was great getting to know a new detective, and I loved seeing how her team works.  The two cases they were working on were both interesting in different ways.  One involved a recent discovery of a skeleton that had been buried 30 years before, while the other was about getting closure for the familiers of a serial killer. 

This is full of just good old fashioned detective work, and it was a pleasure to read.  I devoured the whole book in just a couple of short hours, and didn't even notice the time passing, as I was enjoying it so much.   

Having finally read a book from one of M. A. Comley's other series, I am now completely convinced that I will love just about anything she writes.   

For me an excellent introduction to D. I. Sally Parker and her life, team and area of the policing they are working in. If you have already been reading the series then I'm sure you will love it even more than I did. 

Thank you to M.A.  Comley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - At The Wedding by Matt Dunn

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Title: At The Wedding

Author: Matt Dunn

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Publication Date: 1st September 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Livia’s been planning her wedding to Jed for ages. Now, at the venue in beautiful Barcelona, with her dress pressed and the guests all on their way, she’s only left one tiny detail until the last minute: letting the groom know he’s about to get hitched.

But as far as Jed’s concerned, they’ve been bumping along just fine for ten years and even have a baby on the way, so why spoil things with an ‘I do’? Especially when he’d really rather not.

Meanwhile the guests are arriving with plenty of baggage of their own. Fading reality star Liam’s still on the lookout for a plus-one; Rachel’s has refused to come—and dumped her into the bargain; and divorcee Patrick’s date is more of the ‘mid-life crisis’ variety.

But as the ceremony approaches, and with no sign of Jed, there’s only one thing on all of their minds: will there be a bride and groom at the wedding?

I have no idea how Matt Dunn manages it, but not for the first time has has written a book based around the events of a short space of time - this time around its 48 hours and manages to fit in so many twists and turns along the way to keep readers on their toes.  

At times I was so engrossed in this book that a waitress made me jump out of my skin, as I hadn't seen her approach and I'm still not sure how I returned home as I don't recall seeing most of the stops! 

The book is not the only thing that is fast paced, so is the time between proposal and wedding, for Livia's and Je.  To say that Jed was rather surprised at the real reason they were in Barcelona, would be an understatement. 

Followed up with the following day assorted friends and family arrive for the wedding, all of whom have been sworn to secrecy. 

The focal point switches around between some of the main characters,so you were able to get to know them a bit better.  I really did love all members of the main wedding part, and some of the supplementary people were also great to meet. 

I love how clever this author is in creating a believable storyline, with plenty of action and humour but using such a small timeline.  Each character shows some development in their view towards relationships over the course of the book.  I loved Liam's continual flirting, Izzy's shopaholic tendencies, Patrick's father figure approach to the group, Rachel's sightseeing is particularly memorable as is Jed's reaction to the proposal

Another gem of a book from Dunn, reminding me once more of just how much I love this author. If you are already a fan then you will understand when I say it has all of his trademark style and is a must read.  If you have never tried a Matt Dunn book, then this is certainly a great example of what he is capable of. 

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and Matt Dunn for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Return to the Little Cottage on the Hill by Emma Davies

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Title: Return to the Little Cottage on the Hill

Author: Emma Davies

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication Date: 31st August 2018

Rating: 4 Stars

The climb up the hill takes her past sweet-smelling pink roses in full bloom and leads her to an utterly breathtaking view. Megan is happy to be home at last, but will her relationship have survived the journey? 

It has been a difficult few years for thirty-year-old Megan Forrester, completing her apprenticeship and trying to maintain a long-distance relationship with her gorgeous boyfriend, Liam.

She’s returned home to compete in a local craft competition. The prize is the chance to design beautiful new gates for the estate at the bottom of the hill, a job which could secure her future in the village forever.

As the contest gets underway, Megan is devastated when a rival design turns out to be almost identical to hers. Someone in the close-knit community must have leaked her sketches, but who? Is it the same person spreading heartbreaking rumours about Liam?

Down to the last few left in the competition, Megan throws her heart and soul into a show-stopping final piece… but will winning even matter when the truth about Liam is finally revealed?

I'm not sure what I can say about this that I haven't already said about the first two books in this series. It was a such a joy to back at Joy Acres with Maddie, Seth, Tom, Clara and Trixie it felt as though i was returned home. 

For despite what the blurb says to me Clara is the main character of this book, of the main people that are at Joy Acre, it is her turn to find romance, and to go on a journey of self discovery.  I am not sure how much thought I had given to her before this book, other than in a supporting role, but I now feel as though I know her a whole lot better. 

The story takes in her friendship with Trixie and how it all changes when a TV producer comes to town and wants to make the pair of them stars of a cooking and gardening show. 

So who is the Megan that the blurb focuses on you may ask? Well she is staying at Joy Acre farm and taking part in the blacksmithing contest held up the the big manor house owned by Agatha who featured in the first book of the series. 

Some chapter did focus on Megan and I found the blacksmithing contest interesting as its a skill I have never really thought about until this book and the finale to her storyline was incredibly gripping.  I just didn't feel as connected to her. 

It was fabulous to catch up with old friends and this book could easily be read as a standalone.  It was lovely to see a bit more of Agatha and my feelings towards her have softened with how she is in this book.    I really enjoyed reading this book, given how familiar the setting and characters are now it made the pages zoom past until I ran out! 

This is another great addition to the series and I am eagerly awaiting the next book which I hope will give Trixie a love interest!  

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

Book Review - Summer Secrets at the Apple Blossom Deli by Portia MacIntosh

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Title: Summer Secrets at the Apple Blossom Deli

Author: Portia MacIntosh

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: 18th May 2018

Rating: 4 Stars

Lily Holmes is ready for a fresh start. And there’s no better place to begin again than the idyllic seaside town of Marram Bay.

All Lily wants to do is focus on making her new deli a success and ensuring her son’s happiness. Not the postcard creeping out of her handbag, and definitely not finding a new man in her life!

But this isn’t going to be as easy as she first thought. The town is in uproar about the city girl who’s dared to join them and she’s fighting a battle at every turn.

Perhaps with a little help from the gorgeous cider farmer next door, she may be able to win them over, but her past secrets threaten to ruin everything…

This is a lovely story about a mother and son starting over in a new place, where they know no-one and need to learn to fit in. The locals of Marram Bay initially aren't friendly as they are opposed to the deli that Lily will be running. 

This has a knock on event of 9 year old Frankie.  Frankie is a star of the book, but nothing in his recent life has been easy. I couldn't help but feel sorry for him most of the time, especially when the kids are predisposed to dislike him, just because of what his mum is doing. 

Thankfully Lily's nearest neighbour, Alfie understands what it is to be an outsider and is determined to turn the locals opinions around of Lily, and also to make Lily really fall in love with the town of Maran Bay.  So there are some lovely outings that are planned between them, and the fact that Alfie is easy on the eyes is a nice bonus. 

Nothing goes smoothly in this book, but was each secrets or change of direction is revealed,  that kept me interested and curious as to what would happen next. 

What did surprise me is for a book featuring a deli in the title that at no point did the book make me feel hungry as you may expect. Which is mildly frustrating as i had held off reading this while other food based books called out to be read first, and I wanted to space them out a bit.  There was a sprinkling of great food descriptions, but on the whole it seemed almost secondary to whether the deli would even get any customers once its open. 

The story is peppered with humour in Portia MacIntosh's typical style and was a sheer pleasure to read this book.  I found this a very fast read, that was incredibly enjoyable.  

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