Book Review - Love Songs For Sceptics by Christina Pishiris

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Title: Love Songs For Sceptics

Author: Christina Pishiris

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: 28th November 2019

Rating: 4 Stars

My brother’s getting married in a few weeks and asked for help picking a song for his first dance. I suggested Kiss’s ‘Love’s a Slap in the Face’.

It didn’t go down well.

When she was a teenager, Zoë Frixos fell in love with Simon Baxter, her best friend and the boy next door. But his family moved to America before she could tell him how she felt and, like a scratched record, she’s never quite moved on. Now, almost twenty years later, Simon is heading back to London, newly single and as charming as ever . . .

But as obstacles continue to get in her way – Simon’s perfect ex-girlfriend, her brother’s big(ish) fat(ish) Greek wedding, and an obnoxious publicist determined to ruin her career – Zoë begins to wonder whether, after all these years, she and Simon just aren’t meant to be.

What if, despite what all the songs and movies say, your first love isn't always all it's cracked up to be? What if, instead Zoë and Simon are forever destined to shuffle around their feelings for each other, never quite getting the steps right . . .

With a smart, relatable central character and razor-sharp wit, Love Songs for Sceptics is perfect for fans of Mhairi McFarlane, Lucy Vine and Lindsey Kelk. 

Full of humour, loads of music references, two utterly gorgeous guys, and all manner of diva rock stars, this is one hell of a story. 

There is plenty going on at all times, various sub plots, and for me the biggest storylines are will Zoe get the interview with the reclusive star she idolises that will save the magazine she is the editor of.  And will Zoe decide that Simon or Nick is the actual love of her life - they both have their good points! 

I loved that Zoe was Greek, her brother is getting married and there are references all over the place to My Big Fat Greek Wedding.  I enjoyed Zoe getting to know her sister in-law better, and also the other key women of the wedding party, for a few really fun gatherings.  Who knew ukuleles could be so much fun, or easy to play. 

Zoe and Simon have known each other for ages, they are even both official members of the same fan club. I loved that element to the story, it kept cropping up and making me smile! 

There is a whole host of emotions experienced as you read this story, and there are few tougher issues touched on, delicately.  

A really enjoyable and impressive debut novel. 

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

Book Review - The Accidental Life Swap by Jennifer Joyce

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Title: The Accidental Life Swap

Author: Jennifer Joyce

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: 1st September 2019

Rating: 4 Stars

Sometimes one moment can change your life forever…

Rebecca Riley has always been a bit of a pushover. When her glamorous boss, Vanessa, asks her to jump, she doesn’t just ask how high… she asks if her boss would like her to grab a coffee on the way back down!

So whilst overseeing the renovation of Vanessa’s beautiful countryside home, the last thing Rebecca ever expected was to be mistaken for her boss – or that she would even consider going along with it! Far away from the bustling city and her boss’s demanding ways, could she pretend to be Vanessa and swap lives, just for a little while?

Very enjoyable story about discovering what you are truly capable of, even if it takes partially impersonating your boss to do so. 

For Rebecca Riley has a massive confidence problem, she dreams big, but ultimately seems to be lacking a backbone to stand up to anyone. Hence why her boss Vanessa forces her to suddenly become the project manager for her new property in Little Heaton. 

Rebecca is normally Vanessa's PA at an events management company and dreams of stepping up to be an event manager, but first she needs to make sure the renovations are done in time for the house warming party, and standing up to a group of builder. 

Due to a slight misunderstanding on first meeting the builders they believe she is Vanessa, and suddenly Rebecca is channelling her inner Vanessa. 

What I really enjoyed the most about this book, is the animal sanctuary that is next door to Vanessa's property.  There are some really adorable animals in it, and Stacey and Oliver who run it are key people that I loved getting to know.  Any scenes involving the sanctuary are just a joy to read. 

My other favourite bits are the series of board games the Rebecca and Oliver play, being a board game fan myself.  I would have loved to have joined in with them, as I'm as competitive as them both!! 

On the whole this is a lot of fun, and the main hook of how long can Rebecca keep up the pretence and what will happen if the truth comes out, is very enjoyable and kept me reading on and on. 

A really entertaining novel from the always pleasing to read Jennifer Joyce. 

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

Book Review - The Hopes and Dreams of Libby Quinn by Freya Kennedy

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Title: The Hopes and Dreams of Libby Quinn

Author: Freya Kennedy

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 5th May 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Libby Quinn is sick and tired of being sensible.

After years of slogging her guts out for nothing at a PR company, she finds herself redundant and about to plough every last penny of her savings into refurbishing a ramshackle shop and making her dream of owning her own bookshop become a reality.

She hopes opening 'Once Upon A Book' on Ivy Lane will be the perfect tribute to her beloved grandfather who instilled a love of reading and books in her from an early age.

When her love life and friendships become even more complicated – will Libby have the courage to follow her dreams? Or has she bitten off more than she can chew?

If you are looking a book to escape into at the moment, then look no further than The Hopes and Dreams of Libby Quinn. 

It is such a calm and relaxing read, that I was very happy to sit back and just relax into the pages of the story.  I absolutely loved Libby's determination to open a bookshop as a tribute to her grandpa Ernie.  

Libby has bought the most run down place on Ivy Lane for this bookshop and it requires a very large amount of work on it.  Thankfully her family are supportive and so are the new friends she makes on Ivy Lane. 

It's a road that really is its own family and community as they look after each other.  Special mentions to Harry who runs the corner shop and is incredibly chatty and also very generous often giving Libby all manner of treats.  Also Noah from the pub opposite her shop who is gorgeous and once you get to know him an incredibly considerate and caring man. 

I loved how each chapter was subtitled with the name of a well known book, and it is clear how much of a bond Libby and her grandfather had, especially when it came to reading.  

This is just an incredibly sweet book taking a look at friendship, family, community and making dreams come true.  I really enjoyed reading it, and am very curious to see what Freya Kennedy will write next. 

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

Book Review - Dreaming of Italy by T. A. Williams

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Title: Dreaming of Italy

Author: T. A. Williams

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Canelo

Publication Date: 4th May 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Up for a dream promotion, Emma won’t let anything get in her way – not even love.
Working for a major Hollywood film company isn’t all glitz and glam. But when Emma gets sent to tour around Italy to scout the perfect location for a new blockbuster movie, she’s not going to complain. Especially when it could make or break her career…

Historical adviser Mark is a distraction that Emma does not need. As they explore the beauty of Italy, though, Emma starts to fall for the mysterious historian, finding herself torn between her job and her heart.

From the wild, northern mountains of Piedmont, down the vibrant coast of Cinque Terre and through the rolling hills of Tuscany, Emma’s journey becomes one of self-discovery as she questions her priorities in life.

This heartwarming story of romance and redemption is the perfect read for fans of Tilly Tennant, Holly Martin and Daisy James.

Utter perfection, everything you could ever want for in a T. A. Williams book, or a book set in Italy is present in this story....

... well with the exception of an incredibly sexy Italian male hero... but Mark is a rather gorgeous historian, Rich is a good looking heir to a Hollywood fortune, and there is Ethan an actual movie star - so the book isn't missing male eye candy at all, just no genuine Italians amongst them!! 

But besides that minor quibble which literally only just occurred to me as I was writing this, the story is utter perfection. 

Emma works for a big Hollywood film company and has been tasked with finding off the beaten track, away from the major tourist hotspots, beauty spots across Italy for locations of what they are hoping will be their new blockbuster film - Dreaming of Italy.  

What I really enjoyed was seeing how aspects of the movie plot, seemed to mirror the situations that the group that Emma is leading,  in a trip taking in the entirety of Italy.

Some of the places I've heard of, possibly in passing when looking at cruise ship excursions, others were completely new to me, but all sounded stunning.  

T. A. Williams knows his Italy very well, and everything was incredibly well described and it felt as though I was on this trip with the characters.  I loved the new fledgling romances that were popping up, the eccentric film director is far to hard to describe to do him justice but keep an eye out for him. 

All fans of the author will be delighted to see there is his trademark chocolate Labrador, this one called Carmen fitted seamlessly into the story. Carmen is a delight and utterly loves swimming pools! 

There is just so so much to love in this book, I read it in a few hours straight on a hot sunny afternoon, and it was my most enjoyable afternoon in a long time. 

While international travel is at a standstill, dreaming of far away places and holidays that we may or may not be having this year, then Dreaming of Italy will certainly take you on a much needed break from reality and on a wonderful trip around Italy! 

Easily my favourite book from this author for a while, and I do tend to love them all!

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

Book Review - Clover Cottage by Christie Barlow

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Title: Clover Cottage

Author: Christie Barlow

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter 

Publication Date: 20th March 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Love Heart Lane – where friends are there for you no matter what.

When Vet Rory Scott inherits ramshackle Clover Cottage in the quaint village of Heartcross, Allie MacDonald just knows this is their happy ever after. A place to call home with the man she loves – it’s her dream come true!

Until Rory drops a bombshell. He loves Allie but he has dreams of his own to follow – to live and work in Africa. Clover Cottage will have to wait just a little longer…

Allie can’t imagine life without Rory, but she loves him too much to hold him back. And as he embarks on his adventure, Allie begins to rethink her own plans. She loves Rory and knows she wants him in her life, but maybe she can follow her own dreams too?

And always there, nestled in the beautiful village of Heartcross, surrounded by the people she loves, will be the place that will always bring them back to each other. Their forever home, Clover Cottage.

I've just spent the most wonderful couple of hours in Heartcross, back amongst my friends from Love Heart Lane, and meeting whole new ones at the same time. 

And what a roller coaster of a book this was, what I can definitely say is Christie Barlow really is producing her best stories and writing with this series.  This was another super duper book! 

I was hooked from the first few pages, and although at times the conflict between Allie and Rory was getting a bit frustrating, I could see things from both their points of view, and had my everything crossed they would have a great ending. 

There is a story line involving Rory's mother that I sort of saw coming but didn't make it any less surprising and then there are revelations involving Rory's father's past that really did shock me.  Not to mention the incredibly sexy Netflix star who rocks up in Heartcross and  soon feels like part of the gang. 

He added a new dimension to the books, and he was in some ways a catalyst for some potentially huge changes in both Rory and Allie's lives. 

If you have read the other fantastic books in the series, then you will be as delighted as I am to see Felicity and Isla are Allie's best friends.   Oh and there is such an adorable scene involving Mop the llama, and the dog show.   I love Mop, he's so cute, and it was so amusing seeing him at the Summer fair. 

Clover Cottage itself is key to a lot of the story, but not quite in the way you may expect, but it certainly deserves the title role in this book. 

This is a warm and cosy story, if felt like I was wrapped up in a hug and I couldn't stop reading.  I love this series so much it's scary, and I'm counting down the days until the next book is out! 

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

Book Review - The Last Act of Adam Campbell by Andy Jones

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Title: The Last Act of Adam Campbell

Author: Andy Jones

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Publication Date: 28th May 2020

Rating: 4 Stars

A year can go quickly. Particularly when it's your last.

Adam had a good life: a job he enjoyed, a nice house, a loving partner and a bright six-year-old daughter. Then he cheated on his partner. Then she kicked him out of their home. And then he was given approximately twelve months to live.

Despite the devastating news, Adam is determined to turn his life around before it finally runs out. Help comes in the form of an ex-junky, a cantankerous train driver, a nun experiencing a crisis of faith, and a teenager intent on losing her virginity - all living on borrowed time, all desperate to feel alive before their time is up.

I'm really not sure what to say about this book.  Don't get me wrong its incredibly well written, and given the way it ends I'm feeling oddly uplifted (which based on the epilogue possibly shouldn't be the case),  but at the same time. I thought it was a book with its ups and downs. 

I loved the beginning third, and the last quarter or so, but the section in the middle of the book, honestly just dragged for me, coupled with the in depth details of all the various symptoms the characters have, of their side affects from the medication, and I felt ill in parts just reading it. 

For its a book that centres around a group of people who are facing their own impending mortality, all diagnosed with Cancer, and with limited amount of time left to live.   They first meet in a support group to deal with this, but it progresses from there into so much more. 

I loved seeing how the group came together and just what they were working on even if some of the Shakespeare quotes and references went over my head completely. 

As warped as this may sound I kept reading to see just how many of the group would be alive by the end of the book and just how things would turn out in all of their lives.    Such a varied group of people, and we get to also know their families too, it just shows that Cancer takes no prisoners, it's not selective and can affect anyone. 

I really did care for some of the main people, and there were moments of light relief, bits to make you smile, as well as potentially be quite emotional. 

Certainly a well written book that has crept under my skin more than I would have anticipated, even while reading it, and a change in direction from what I recall the authors previous books to be. 

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

Book Review - I Made a Mistake by Jane Corry

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Title: I Made A Mistake

Author: Jane Corry

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Penguin

Publication Date: 22nd May 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

IT STARTED WITH A KISS

AND ENDED IN MURDER...

The darkly addictive new novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author of I Looked Away, Blood Sisters and My Husband's Wife.
In Poppy Page's mind, there are two types of women in this world: those who are faithful to their husbands, and those who are not. Until now, Poppy has never questioned which she was.

But when handsome, charming Matthew Gordon walks back into her life after almost two decades, that changes. Poppy makes a single mistake - and that mistake will be far more dangerous than she could imagine.

Someone is going to pay for it with their life . . .

Woah, I don't know Jane Corry keeps coming up with these fantabulous books, but I hope it never stops.  This one was brilliant, and it only took me a few chapters to become hooked. 

I think if this book was to have a message it's that all actions have consequences, far more reaching than you may first think. 

I mean Poppy knows pretty much instantly and cheating on her husband, with her first love when he reappears was in fact a mistake - but what isn't so apparent is just how huge an error of judgment that is, and the far reaching effects it can have on everyone she knows and loves. 

This is a very hard book to describe, as I would hate to give away any spoilers, but suffice to say it is a gripping story, told from three viewpoints - Poppy, her mother in law Betty and also snippets from a trial. 

Betty's story was without a doubt a highlight for me, from her time as a young girl, throughout her marriage and right up to the present day, what she had to go through, and put up with for the sake of family, is heart wrenching, but at the same time as she herself says, it was just the way things were in those days. 

Equally though I did really enjoy Poppy's story, I felt for her at times, at others wanted to know why she was making such bad decisions, while understanding her too. There is a whole lot of depth to this book and it was a pleasure to read each and every word, and to see just how things unfolded. 

You know from the prologue and blurb that someone dies, but just who, and why - well it's compulsive reading to find out. 

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

Book Review - The First Date by Zara Stoneley

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Title: The First Date

Author: Zara Stoneley

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 24th April 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Right place.
Right time.
Wrong guy …

‘The novel equivalent of binge watching a tv series…"just one more chapter, who cares if it's 2am!" It's exactly the sort of novel you need with so much chaos in the world’ Sarah, Reader review

After breaking up with her childhood sweetheart, clueless dater Rosie has found herself in a boyfriend-drought. So when she finally swipes right on a guy who seems interested, she can’t wait to meet up in person.

Until she’s left standing alone. In a bar. Stood up.

Enter Noah. Confident, funny … and a serial first dater. Offering to give Rosie a crash course in seduction, this could be just what she needs. Until her matchmaker turns out to be the best date she’s ever had – and Rosie wonders if she wants the fake dates to be the real ones after all …

A hilarious, heartwarming romantic comedy about what happens when the wrong guy turns up at the right time, perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella and Mhairi McFarlane.

From the moment of Rosie's first conversation with Noah, I knew this book was going to be a winner.  Throughout their dialogue, verging in banter, is quick witted, amusing, and just really fun to read. 

But yet Rosie and Noah aren't dating, they have only just met, and Noah in fact decided he will help Rosie on her quest to get her first, first date since she was a child sorted and give her the confidence to deal with it. They meet in a bar, just after Rosie is stood up from her Tinder date! 

However Noah does have one flaw - he reminds Rosie far too much of her father, of which well lets say she has daddy issues to be resolved.  And so what is obvious to the reader, is fought against internally by Rosie, as she tries to reason with herself! 

I loved all of Noah's "lessons" for Rosie, in seduction, the scene in the lingerie shop is hilarious, oh there is a huge great dane that provides some amusement, there are friends and family to be met, and above all this book is just a whole lot of fun. 

In fact this is exactly the sort of book for these troubled times, that will lift your spirits, perhaps remind you of your own first dates, and take you to happier times for a while.  And who doesn't want a bit of fun, even between the pages of a book, while the world is such a doom and gloom place. 

Another thoroughly entertaining story from Zara Stoneley, I can't wait for her next book. 

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

Book Review - Willow's Wedding Vows by Debbie Viggiano

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Title: Willow's Wedding Vows

Author: Debbie Viggiano

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self published

Publication Date: 28th April 2020

Rating: 4 Stars

Wedding vows have never been this personal…

Willow has been living with marriage-shy Charlie for more years than she cares to remember and is old-fashioned enough to want a wedding band and a loads-of-sex honeymoon before stretchmarks and nipple shields.

So when the once-wary Charlie surprisingly goes down on one knee, Willow doesn’t question why her boyfriend is suddenly so keen to rush her into saying “I do”.

The first clue comes as Willow is zipped into her Cinderella dress, the second as she bobs into the wedding car, and the third as the Roller swings towards its fairy-tale destination… leaving a shell-shocked Willow desperately trying to figure out what to do next.

A bride can do anything she wants on her wedding day, but nobody expected her to do this…

I had two main thoughts the whole way through this book. 

1 - how on earth does the title fit what I'm reading? Well let me assure you it will in time make some sense and when it does I was practically cheering!

2 - I could barely believe what an utter tosser (OK insert much ruder stronger words to really get the drift) that Charlie is.

He is an utter nightmare of a man, not someone you would really want yourself or your friends to spend any time with.

Yet he somehow successfully keeps this part of himself hidden from Willow.

Ah Willow she has been with Charlie many years, and just wants to marry him. She at times seemed completely oblivious and far too trusting even when it was clear she should at least second guess herself.

OK so I wasn't keen on most of the characters in the book, but at the same time I enjoyed seeing just what a mess they could get themselves into.

I was curious about just how everything turned out and although I may not have liked Charlie at one point I did very almost feel sorry for him... well fleetingly!

Definitely an entertaining story that I did very much enjoy reading.

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

Book Review - As Greek As It Gets by Sue Roberts - Blog Tour

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Title: As Greek as it Gets

Author: Sue Roberts

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication Date: 18th May 2020

Rating: 4 Stars

Let the hot Greek sun melt all your troubles away… A laugh-out-loud read full of warmth, joy and summer feeling!

Alice Clark is delighted when her boyfriend Max proposes. From her dead-end job to her straight-up-dead houseplants, her life hasn’t exactly turned out how she imagined, so she can’t wait to start some wedding planning.

But the intimate affair she imagined soon grows wildly out of control, along with Alice’s doubts. Just as things reach breaking point between the couple, Alice’s best friend whisks her away for an escape to a sun-kissed Greek island.

Sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and a cocktail – or three – and Alice soon finds herself letting loose and relaxing into the Greek way of life. When she visits a gorgeous village nestled in the hilltops overlooking the sea, and meets a friendly local woman with a very special business – and a very handsome son – Alice is surprised by how drawn she feels to these people and this life.

As the sun sets on her Greek holiday, Alice knows she has some big decisions to make. Will finding herself mean losing the life she had planned? Or could it be the start of something else entirely?

A feel-good read perfect for fans of Carole Matthews, Jenny Colgan and Sophie Kinsella.

I was incredibly excited when this book was announced, as I love a Sue Roberts book, I love a story set in Greece and I really wanted to read this on my holiday to Crete. However well a pandemic has happened, clearly I'm not getting that holiday, and thus this in some respects just for me became a trickier book to read, for as much as I enjoyed it,  I can't help but continually feel gutted I don't get to go to Crete for real. 

For the Greek holiday in this novel, is in Malia, Crete, but at the same time it did mean I was able to virtually visit the island.  I loved Alice and her friends jeep trip around the island, allowed me to see some of the real Greece from the comfort of my living room (not quite the same as reading poolside,but that's what imagination is for).

This is the story of whether or not Alice will really get the wedding of her dreams to Max,  they appear to be complete opposites, especially when it comes to wedding planning.  Some of Maxes ideas really made me laugh, and I loved how generous he was.  He really cares for Alice, that much is obvious, and generally I had a lot of time for Max.

Yet frankly it was the gorgeous Greek guy that I was far more interested in, he isn't even in much of the story but he has a lasting impact.  I would love to read a book where he is the hero, as I'd thoroughly enjoy getting to know him better. 

The Greek holiday mainly featuring in this book is Alice's hen party, and it was comparatively civilised compared to what I thought when I heard Malia and Hen Party in the same sentence! Ria, Kerry and Molly are the others on the trip, and I enjoyed getting to know them a bit too, especially their relationships with Alice. 

This was an enjoyable story, which allowed me to travel in some way to Greece this year, featuring a gorgeous Greek guy, Greek food in great sounding tavernas, a fabulous fiance, a bunch of deliberation over what Alice really wants, and just an all around entertaining read. 

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

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Book Review - The Minute I Saw You by Paige Toon

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Title: The Minute I Saw You

Author: Paige Toon

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: 14th May 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

When Hannah meets Sonny, she's irresistibly drawn to him: he's sexy and confident, but only in town on holiday. That's fine with Hannah - she doesn't do long-term relationships. And luckily for her, neither does Sonny. But before they can even so much as kiss, Sonny receives some shocking news and commits to making serious life changes - ones that can't and won't include romance.

With even a short fling now off the cards, Hannah and Sonny settle for being friends. But as summer hots up and their chemistry shows no signs of cooling, they start to question their reasons for shutting each other out.

Are they both too broken to find love? And if they tear down the walls between them, will they still like what's on the other side?

Paige Toon was written another simply stunning story. 

I was hooked almost immediately and loved the blatant initial chemistry between Hannah and Sonny in their first meeting and was as confused as Hannah when a couple of weeks later he was like a different person. 

From then they start to see each other about and accept that they can only be friends - especially since Sonny is pledging abstinence for reasons not entirely divulged initially.   Equally Hannah is obviously holding something back about her life, which is why she has never really wanted to settle anywhere. 

In fact what Hannah was hiding, was so unexpected, I literally guessed it about 5 pages before the reveal, and even then I didn't fully guess.  And Sonny, I'd not have pegged what is in his past either. But it was the finding out about both them that is where the book seems to go up another notch. 

I loved Hannah's new friendships and her dog Bertie is adorable too. The first canoeing scene is fabulous in that respect, so amusing. 

I really enjoyed seeing just how close Hannah and Sonny could become while still maintaining there was nothing between them!  It is just a heart warming story that I found a joy to read. 

I found this this, like all of this authors books, to be a quick, easy to engage with book, that I didn't want to put down. 

Thank you Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - The Summer Villa by Melissa Hill

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Title: The Summer Villa

Author: Melissa Hill

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ

Publication Date: 14th May 2020

Rating: 4 Stars

Three women. One summer reunion. Secrets will be revealed…
Villa Dolce Vita, a rambling stone house on the Amalfi Coast, sits high above the Gulf of Naples amidst dappled lemon groves and the fragrant, tumbling bougainvillea. Kim, Colette and Annie all came to the villa in need of escape and in the process forged an unlikely friendship.

Now, years later, Kim has transformed the crumbling house into a luxury retreat and has invited her friends back for the summer to celebrate.

But as friendships are rekindled under the Italian sun, secrets buried in the past will come to light, and not everyone is happy that the three friends are reuniting… Each woman will have things to face up to if they are all to find true happiness and fully embrace the sweet life.

An epic summer read about food, friendship and the magic of Italy, perfect for fans of Jill Mansell and Sheila O’Flanagan. 

It feels like it's been forever since I last read a book by Melissa Hill, so I was delighted to get the chance to read this one.

Set both 6 years ago and in the present day,  we see how the lives of 3 women change, from their first summer together at the Villa Dolce Vita.

We have Kim, who is trying to escape from being a pawn in her parents empire. Annie who has had a tough time and is only in Italy thanks to an incredible gesture.  And Colette who is talking a much needed holiday after helping her mum for years.

All very different but a friendship forms between them that lasts longer than the first summer. 

I loved being able to sit in my garden and escape in my mind to Italy, to the Amalfi coast and had a wonderful time doing so.

This was a really enjoyable story to read,  and I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the pages of it.

There is so much more to this book than meets the surface which builds up to an exciting climax.

Thanks to HQ and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Chasing Moonbeams in Merriment Bay by Emily Harvale

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Title: Chasing Moonbeams in Merriment Bay

Author: Emily Harvale

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Crescent Gate Publishing 

Publication Date: 30th March 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Cat has found true happiness in Merriment Bay. Will a discovery in Devon Villa change that?

Cat Devon is finally with the love of her life – and she couldn’t be happier about that. But discovering the identity of her real dad and the fact she has two half-brothers was a shock. Getting to know her new family is now a priority.

Kyra Devon is only eighteen, but she’s more mature than her mum in many ways and is coping far better with everything that’s happened. Kyra knows what she wants and unlike Cat, she’s not going to let opportunities slip away.

Mary Devon has regained her daughter and her granddaughter, but she’s grieving for her mother, and also for the loss of the love she thought she’d found. Putting on a brave face may not be the best way for Mary to get over it.

When a long-lost painting called Moonbeams Kiss is discovered in a hidden cellar beneath the floorboards in Devon Villa, a story of love, loss and treachery unfolds, bringing with it repercussions for each of the Devon women.

This is Book Two in Emily Harvale's Merriment Bay series which is interconnected to her Wyntersleap series. Each series can be read alone, but several characters appear in both series.

Another triumph from Emily Harvale. A joyous story that let us see Cat's side of things from the previous interconnected Wynter House book, while also moving their story along. 

There is a fresh mystery to get your head around,  as well all manner of romances.

I love getting to know the Devon family even more, and seeing just how all 3 generations are moving on from the sad events of the previous book.

This could be read as a standalone but I think you would enjoy it even more if you have read others in the Merriment Bay and Wynter House series.

Incredibly likeable characters, all very relatable to and another jam packed book.

Well done to the author for yet another wonderful addition to the series

Thank you to Emily Harvale for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.