Book Review - Fixing A Broken Heart at the Highland Repair Shop by Kiley Dunbar

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Title: Fixing A Broken Heart at the Highland Repair Shop

Author: Kiley Dunbar

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 24th July 2025

Rating: 4 Stars

Every book in the Highland Repair Shop series can be read as a standalone.

Never take broken for an answer...

When her career stalls and her boyfriend betrays her, Ally McIntyre’s dreams shatter into a hundred little pieces. Which is apt, given Ally’s family has built a haven for the worn out and broken: the Cairn Dhu Community Repair Shop and Café in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, famous for its band of expert fixers (and delicious baking). But repairing gadgets and restoring heirlooms is one thing, fixing herself is quite another.

Jamie Beaton is on a temporary summer transfer to Cairn Dhu as a Special Constable, though there’s a deeper, sadder reason that’s drawn him to the Highlands. When a scandal threatens the repair shop and Ally and Jamie’s paths cross, an instant connection – and attraction – sparks. Could finding new love, and the missing piece of Jamie’s past, help Ally’s heart to heal?

As the long summer days draw in, however, Jamie must leave. An unexpected job offer also comes Ally’s way, which could take her far from the Highlands. Should she take a leap into the unknown? Where does she truly feel whole?

Full of wit, love and community spirit, this is the first novel in a gorgeously feel-good new series by bestselling author Kiley Dunbar.

Kiley Dunbar and novels set in Scotland seem to be a match made in heaven.  She has a wonderful knack of really making you feel a place, and I definitely feel as though I was experiencing the Cairngorms in the Highlands through the pages of this book. 

And the setting of a repair shop was rather special too, especially as it's a volunteer run one, predominately the brainchild of the McIntyre family, and one that Ally helps out with once a week, on top of her other jobs. 

But when the reputation of the repair shop and cafe comes under scrutiny it is Ally who realises she needs to do something and in as a result ends up changing her life. 

She also strikes up a friendships with Jamie, a trainee volunteer Policeman, who is on a short placement in the highlands, in part to gain experience and in part to see if he can reconnect with memories of his mother.  And Ally is able to help in more ways than you may be able to first imagine. 

I loved how everything fitted together, with some lovely community moments, some drama, a hint of romance, and curiosity as to what is going on with Ally's twin brother Murray. 

This is a heartwarming story and I'm already keen to return to the repair shop in the next book in the series.  A very solid start to a new series, one that I feel will really grow in impressiveness as it continues. 

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

Book Review - The Summer Party by Kate Gray - #HolidayReading Cruise

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Title: The Summer Party

Author: Kate Gray

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Headline

Publication Date: 4th July 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

It's the event of the year - the company summer party. Mel can't wait to let her hair down with her colleagues. Sun, sea, and her sights set on her work crush. One big happy family.

But as the champagne flows and the sun begins to set, cracks in the team start to appear. Secrets, lies, revenge. No one is as innocent as they seem.

But could one of them be guilty of murder? Mel soon realises someone is orchestrating a deadly plan. And she must uncover the truth if she's going to get out alive . . .

A twisty and sun-soaked locked-room thriller that will leave you breathless. Perfect for fans of Lucy Foley, Ruth Ware and T.M. Logan.

Wow this was one wonderful thriller. 

I was never completely sure who was behind everything, and although my suspicions  were partially correct, the journey to discover that as well as all the secrets that come out in a group of colleagues is well worth the read. 

There are news articles dotted throughout the story, reporting as information comes to light, about a summer party that clearly ended in tragedy. 

And between that the reader is treated to everything from Mel's point of view, and she is one of the "lucky VIPS" being allowed to stay the night at this exclusive and isolated setting on the Solent. 

After the main party is over and the lucky ones are left behind, its starts to become very clear things aren't what they seem. And then it becomes rather life threatening to say the least. 

This was a wonderfully plotted book that had my attention from beginning to end. I was gripped, I had theories and I was invested in finding out the truth. 

Set predominately over the course of an evening, its fairly quick paced, and just brilliant. 

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

Book Review - The Cosy Croissant Café by Jane Linfoot - #HolidayReading Cruise

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Title: The Cosy Croissant Café

Author: Jane Linfoot

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 24th April 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

Boathouse cottage was meant to be a sanctuary for Betty and her beloved rescue Shetland pony, Pumpkin…

But now, as her sister’s marriage implodes and the family cottage in St Aidan becomes a bargaining chip that needs to be protected, Betty finds herself facing off against her unwanted flatmate – her brother-in-law's best friend, Miles. Miles may be gorgeous and a talented pastry chef too, but she can't afford to be swayed by either his charm or his delicious croissant campaign.

Or can she? Because as Betty soon realises, there might be more to gain from aligning with the talented baker than fighting against the temptation he and his pastries pose…

It is always good to be back in St Aidan and amongst some familiar faces. 

But this can definitely be read as a standalone novel, as Betty, her pony Pumpkin and Miles are all brand new characters. 

And thanks to some miscommunication Betty and Miles end up living in the same house temporarily, and given Betty doesn't like him, and is off men generally, this means sparks will fly. 

For I loved how different they both are, and although I grew to totally adore Miles, it was Betty who stole my heart first - ok really it was the pony! 

But wow that boy can bake, his beach house buns sounded delicious. Between that, his business acumen and Betty's impulsiveness they are in for a wild summer. 

There is a lot going on this book and I was loving every single second of it. Another fabulous trip to St Aidan's and I can't wait to return again in the future. 

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

Book Review - The Cafe on the Coast by Christie Barlow - #HolidayReading Dom Rep

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Title: The Cafe on the Coast

Author: Christie Barlow

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 31st December 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

Can a cake change your life?

Clemmie Rose’s great-great-grandmother’s beloved clementine torte is her ticket to the prestigious Royal Baking Competition. A win could put Puffin Island’s charming Café on the Coast on the map, land Clemmie her very own cookbook deal, and secure her a coveted invitation to a royal garden party.

But when she discovers the competition is being hosted aboard the Royal Yacht by none other than her ex, Oliver Lockwood, the stakes – and the soufflés –suddenly rise, and Clemmie’s bid for the Golden Whisk trophy is at risk of collapsing like an underbaked sponge.

When a decades-old secret is thrown into the mix, she’ll need more than the perfect recipe to keep her dreams from crumbling.

Puffin Island is starting to feel like a second home to me, and I loved catching up with the residents of the island. 

Especially enjoying getting to know Clemmie and grandma Betty a whole lot more, after Clemmie is nominated to take part in a Royal Baking contest on the Royal Yacht. 

Only the man who is hosting the live TV show is Oliver, who she spent one week with a few years before, and then never saw again. 

There is a rather intriguing prologue to this book, that does become rather relevant as the story progresses.

There is all sorts of mystery and scandal to be uncovered, while at the same time there is also cake, and tortes and baking and friendship and a whole of lot of really good things too. 

This book could make you quite peckish while reading, so you have been warned. 

I totally adored this story and am already looking forward to my next visit to Puffin Island.

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

Book Review - She Made Me Do It by Anna-Lou Weatherley - #HolidayReading Dom Rep

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Title: She Made Me Do It

Author: Anna-Lou Weatherley

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication Date: 12th January 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

I trusted her. I shouldn’t have…

Samantha Valentine didn’t drift into my life, she collided with it. Soon it was like we had been friends forever. She told me everything about her perfect life, but I always felt there was something she was leaving out.

Then one night, I get a frantic call from Samantha, hysterical and begging me to protect her from her boyfriend. Rushing to her house, instinct takes over and soon my heart is hammering out of my chest as I stand over the body of a man I had never met before this evening.

But by the time the police arrive, Samantha has vanished. The officers tell me that there is no record of her anywhere. The woman I thought was my friend has tricked me into killing a perfect stranger.

As the police slip the handcuffs on my wrists, I know I’ve made a terrible mistake. By protecting a woman I never really knew, I’ve destroyed my life. Who is Samantha really, and why did she make me do this? She’s taken everything from me, but she has no idea how far I will go to get the truth…

A gripping and page-turning psychological thriller absolutely packed with twists. Perfect for fans of T.M. Logan, Frieda McFadden and Daniel Hurst.

Simply unputdownable. 

I raced through this book over the course of an afternoon, only stopping to move from the buffet back to by sunbed (I was reading while on holiday), and not moving from that sunbed until a bit after sunset when I finished it. 

This was such a unique plot and I had various theories as I was reading but none were correct.  I was totally stumped and for a while I wondered if Dan Riley would be too. 

This is another truly excellent addition to this series, it can easily be read as a standalone novel 

I just know that my mouth felt like it was opening wider and wider in shock as various revelations occurred, as I really didn't guess anything right.  

Just fabulous and oh so good too! 

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

Book Review - The Story Shop by Christie Barlow

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Title: The Story Shop

Author: Christie Barlow

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Purchased

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 30th June 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

When travel writer Jack Hartwell arrives on Puffin Island amidst a terrible storm, he stumbles into The Story Shop, the island's quaint bookshop.

Seeking refuge, he finds himself immersed in Amelia Brown's enchanting world of books, puffins, and an eccentric group of book club regulars. So when the enigmatic Amelia challenges Jack to read a mysterious novel The Temptation Bucket List – and to complete its challenges with her – he can’t resist.

But with Jack’s time on Puffin Island ticking away, the stakes rise. The final item on the list? To share a secret that no one else knows…

Puffin Island is certainly starting to feel like home, and as a result this was such a comfortable and warm book to read.  

Especially since it is predominately set in The Story Shop which Amelia owns, and its generally a book that book lovers will thoroughly enjoy. There are various bookish themes running through it, in addition to many secrets, revelations, minor mysteries and some of the best dates I've read about in a long while. 

For Amelia challenges Jack to replicate some of a bucket list that appears in a rather raunchy novel, and he accepts and put's his own take on it.   And manages to produce some truly spectacular dates and a real feeling that Amelia is being romanced and cherished. 

I really loved Jack too, his initial motives may not be above board but it doesn't take long for his true decency shine through, and I was rooting for him and Amelia. 

I also enjoyed catching up with familiar faces from the series so far.  I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this book.  I did guess most of the reveals fairly early on, but it didn't detract from my pleasure of the book, as I had to find out if I was right or not, and I honestly thought I might have been clutching at straws at times with my theories! 

I am so enjoying this Puffin Island series and already looking forward to reading the next book. 

Book Review - Cake Off at the Cat Cafe by Rachel Rowlands

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Title: Cake Off at the Cat Café 

Author: Rachel Rowlands

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Publication Date: 27th March 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

Whisks at the ready! This summer, two local cafes will go head-to-head in a baking competition where more is at stake than just the trophy... Will true love be the icing on the cake?

Clem is the baker in charge of creating delicious cat-themed treats for the loyal customers of the Catpurrcino cat café. From iced kitten doughnuts to macarons with ears and whiskers, Clem's creations always bring a smile to the face of anyone lucky enough to taste them.

But outside of the café's kitchen, Clem struggles with feelings of anxiety and where she fits in. Until Sylvie, the owner of the café, decides to push her out of her comfort zone. The Whisked Away baking competition is a chance for Clem to shine and find her inner confidence.

Also competing this year is Lucas, the owner of Muddy Paws café, accompanied by his faithful Golden Retriever Reina.

The stage is set for an epic cake-off between cats and dogs. But as Clem stumbles in the first challenge, Lucas always seems to be there with an encouraging word and a smile. The chemistry between them is soon undeniable.

Is this just the heat in the kitchen? Or something real? And can their feelings survive a showdown in the final round...

Are you a cat or a dog person?

Who would win in an epic battle between cats and dogs?

Depending on those answer you are either Team Clem or Team Lucas. 

One works for Catpurrcino, and the other for Muddy Paws and both are entered into a bake off style competition for local small busineses, And both have excellent reasons for wanting to win.

Told from both perspectives, I loved getting to know our main characters, and their businesses and related animals. 

I loved seeing how Clem grows slowly in confidence, given where she starts the book, and I was touched by sensitivity that Lucas's father's illness was described with. 

I loved picturing the various bakes and wish I could have been there live to taste test them.

I have loved this second book in the cat cafe series and can't wait to read the next book. 

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

Book Review - The Ex Effect by Jo Watson - #HolidayReading Cruise

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Title: The Ex Effect

Author: Jo Watson

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Headline Eternal

Publication Date: 13th February 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

They had a night to remember. For all the wrong reasons.

Thirteen years ago, Ash was planning the night of her life with her high-school boyfriend, Logan. They were madly in love, wild about each other, and had been waiting patiently for this moment. It was going to be perfect.

That is, until it went down in very unsexy flames. Logan disappeared and Ash was left, quite frankly - and very inconveniently - sexually cursed.

After years of disastrous dating and even more disastrous sex, cinematographer Ash has almost given up. But some seriously flirtatious emails with location agent Maximillian Adam, to set up a scouting trip, offer her hope. Because if rumor is to be believed, Maximillian Adam might just be God's sexual gift to women.

Is Max going to be the one to finally break the curse? And, even better, break it over and over again?

Or when Ash and Max finally come face to face, will they both get so much more than they bargained for?

How much fun must Jo Watson have had in coming up in all the incredibly bad sex scenarios that have littered Ash's life, leading to her believe she is under a sex curse. 

I swear every time you think you must have heard them all, Ash recalls others, that is one seriously unlucky woman. 

And it all started thanks to her first boyfriend, and the time they were meant to lose their virginity.  It went wrong and then went from worse to catastrophic. 

There is so much creativity, and giggle worthy moments in this story, that it was a joy to read. 

There are also some incredibly hot and steamy scenes, which were rather pleasurable! 

Not to mention getting an insight into a few different Safari camps in Africa, which spoke to my love of travel. 

This was just a brilliant holiday read, from an author that I always devour. Loved every second of this. 

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

Book Review - The Stranger In Room Six by Jane Corry

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Title: The Stranger In Room Six

Author: Jane Corry

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Penguin

Publication Date: 12th June 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

You may not know the stranger in room six. But they know everything about you.

It's been fifteen years since Belinda was convicted of her husband's murder. Now, she's ready for her life to begin again, and she's set on that happening at Sunnyside Home for the Young at Heart.

The owner, Mabel, has spent her life here. First as an evacuee during the Blitz and now as the care home's oldest resident, Mabel has held the secrets of this house for as long as she can remember. Secrets that could kill if in the wrong hands.

But history won't stay hidden forever and someone is onto them both. Watching and listening from room number six, they'll stop at nothing to find out the truth.

With a past this dark, is anyone as innocent as they seem?

Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow! 

It's been a few days since I read this and I am still completely blown away by it. 

Every spare second I had, I was reaching for this and reading more and more.  

As a massive fan of this author I had picked up this book without even giving the blurb a glance, so was a bit surprised that is had so much history in it.  I tend to avoid books with history, but I know that when I'm  in the safe hands of an epic storyteller  such as Jane Corry, that I will be transported and taken along with whatever is written. 

Which was thankfully the case.  I was as addicted to Mabel's story as a child during the Blitz and the following years, as I was by Belinda who accidentally murdered her husband and her time spent in prison. 

I actually loved both storylines equally, and loved how the characters came together in the present day along with the mysterious stranger in room six, who we get occasional chapters from, adding a slightly more sinister tone to the book. 

This is just an epically impressive book, that I couldn't get enough of.  Another amazing story from an auto read author for me. 

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

Book Review - Sunshine After The Rain by Jessica Redland - #HolidayReading Cruise

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Title: Sunshine After The Rain

Author: Jessica Redland

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 15th May 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

Melanie knows she’s been running away... But maybe there really is no place like home 🌈

For the last seven years Mel has been hiding; from life, from her friends and from those who love her the most - her family. But being at home in her beloved Lake District has been far too painful for Mel to contemplate. Because seven years ago, Mel lost everything and she’s never been able to banish the dark clouds that follow her.

When Mel returns to Willowdale for a family event, she has no intention of staying. But surrounded by her family she begins to realise just how much she's been missing and also, how much healing she still needs to do.

Starting a dream job at Willowdale Hall, going on walks with Emma and her funny alpacas and reconnecting with those she loves, Mel slowly begins to see chinks of light and a more hopeful and happier future ahead.

And as Mel begins to feel stronger, she also feels brave enough to face the most painful part of leaving home…the one man she has always loved. With his help, can she finally banish the dark clouds forever and see the sunshine after the rain? 🌧️☀️

Another totally brilliant book in the Escape to the Lakes series. 

It was a real treat getting to know Mel who has made the decision to return to Willowdale, and she manages to get her dream job working on Willowdale Hall. So with that we get to revisit and see more of all of the main characters from the previous books in the series too. 

Mel's story is sensitively told, and it's hard to read at times, as she has been through so much and is clearly still suffering. 

I was completely gripped by this book which I was reading on a flight home from Athens. It is an uplifting story of healing, in the most wonderful of settings. I really enjoyed all of the characters, and there are some really special moments within the pages. 

Once again Jessica Redland has written a totally brilliant book, and this is definitely a series going from strength to strength. 

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