Book Review - The Heights by Louise Candlish - #HolidayReading #UKCruise

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Title: The Heights

Author: Louise Candlish

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Publication Date: 5th August 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

He thinks he’s safe up there. But he’ll never be safe from you. 

 

The Heights is a tall, slender apartment building among the warehouses of Tower Bridge, its roof terrace so discreet you wouldn’t know it existed if you weren't standing at the window of the flat directly opposite. But you are. And that’s when you see a man up there – a man you’d recognize anywhere. He’s older now and his appearance has subtly changed, but it’s definitely him. 

Which makes no sense at all since you know he has been dead for over two years.  You know this for a fact.  

Because you’re the one who killed him.  It’s time to confess what we did up there.

 

‘Kieran Watts has been dead for over two years when I see him standing on the roof of a building in Shad Thames…’

#CloseToTheEdge

One thing I have come to expect from  a Louise Candlish book is that I will continually be shocked until the last possible moment and I run out of pages, and there was no exception here. 

I was enthralled and hooked by the opening chapter, where is there is confession of sorts and seeing the events leading up to that point, were incredibly gripping. 

I was hooked on this book, and really wasn't sure what to think a lot of the time, just knew I needed to read more pages to find out what would happen next. 

I'm unsure what I would do in Ellen Saint's position but I'd like to think I wouldn't react as strongly as she did. But you never know!

Another just wonderfully addictive story that I can't say much about purely as anything I would say is potentially a spoiler.  Rest assured that if you already know you love this author that you are in for a treat, as you are if anything about this book is calling to you to read it!

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

Book Review - Meet Me At the Wedding by Georgia Toffolo

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Title: Meet Me At the Wedding

Author: Georgia Toffolo

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Mills & Boon

Publication Date: 28th April 2022

Rating: 5 Stars

Where saying I do is just the beginning…

Lily loves living in Hawke’s Cove, and planning her best friend’s wedding at the Hawkesbury estate is the icing on the cake. But when the estate’s owner dies, and his son cancels the wedding, Lily must face Henry Hawkesbury – a man she hasn’t seen since that fateful night ten years ago…

Henry wants nothing more than to return to Hawke’s Cove, sell his estranged late father’s estate and leave. He certainly does not want to host a wedding, or face Lily, who gets on with everyone – except him!

But when Henry needs Lily’s help, she will only provide it if the wedding can go ahead. Working together means both must face their pasts, and, in doing so embrace their future. But can two people afraid of love acknowledge what they have always wanted…?

Such a fabulous end to what has been a really wonderful series. 

I love the way everything was resolved by the end, and that last sentence was perfection and had me smiling! 

But before that was have Lily's story at long last, and I loved everything about it, and her interactions with Henry were fabulous. 

I mean you know from the start, what the likely outcome will be, but the journey getting there, plus all the wedding plans for V and Oliver (from the first book) are just things to gladden the heart.  And seeing all four of the friends back home in Hawke's Cove is just a delight to see. 

Though nothing is smooth sailing and there were plenty of clashes and also rather emotional moments. Plus the book starts with the biggest amount of the accident that we have seen between the four books, from 10 years ago, where things changed for all four of the friends, and it also changed Henry's life that night too. 

I loved how the characters voices felt consistent over the series, which just shows what a great job the authors managed to do, while putting this series together.  

This is Mills and Boon and escapist romance at it's finest and I have unashamedly loved every single second of all four of these books! 

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

Book Review - Mammy Banter by Serena Terry

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Title: Mammy Banter

Author: Serena Terry

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: 3rd March 2022

Rating: 4 Stars

From the creator of viral Tiktok sensation, @MammyBanter, comes a hilarious warts-and-all novel about modern motherhood – and how having it all sometimes isn’t what you think it might be.

She used to want it all.

Now she just wants a nap.

Tara Gallagher is knackered. She used to dream of being Beyoncé but suddenly she’s thirty-six – with three kids, a loving husband, a very boring job – and instead of headlining Glastonbury, she’s in her pyjamas on a Friday night, watching Gogglebox.

It’s time for a mammy makeover. She’s going to show her teenage daughter she’s still cool. She’s going to show her husband she’s still an absolute ride. She’s going to show her colleagues she’s still a Boss Bish.

But most of all, she’s going to prove to herself that she can still be a mum, still work full time, and still be Beyoncé…

The debut novel from viral TikTok star, @MammyBanter

This was a hilarious and remarkably honest look at being not just a Mammy but also about whether you can be yourself too. 

This is a warts and all look at parenthood, don't expect it through a veneer of an Instagram filter here, this isn't a yummy mummy, this is a real Irish woman, wishing she could re-find her inner Beyoncee, and hoping that she is still regarded as being cool. 

Given her eldest child has just turned 13, and Tara attempted to teach Gemma and her friends the moves to Tragedy at her 13th birthday party, you can guess where Tara is in the embarrassing parent, not cool stakes. 

Then there are the two boys, Nathan (5) and Jax (2) who are everything you expect two boys of that age to be, a lot of bodily fluids, inquisitive minds and in Nathan's case an uncanny ability to repeat the most inappropriate things to his teacher at school! 

This is Tara trying to get her groove back, and the results are incredibly amusing. What I really liked was the clear Irish voice coming through, complete with phrases and slang that we don't tend to use across the Irish Sea from where the book is set!  I love terms like absolute ride, Boss Bish, and how everything is class! 

This book is a real craic, and I think parents everywhere will really be able to relate to Tara and her family. 

There is so much to love in this book and it's a very entertaining debut novel. 

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

Book Review - A Year of Mr Maybes by Judy Leigh

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Title: A Year of Mr Maybes

Author: Judy Leigh

Source: Ebook

Publisher: Netgalley

Publication Date: Boldwood Books

Rating: 5 Stars

Never say never to falling in love…

Val didn’t expect to be starting again in her seventies, but when life gives her lemons, Val is determined to make lemonade.

Settled into her new home – a picture-perfect fisherman’s cottage in the small Cornish seaside town of Lowenstowe – Val is ready to start a new chapter. And with her son due to get married next Christmas, there’s also the little job of finding herself a plus-one to help her face her ex-husband and his new girlfriend.

With the support of her neighbour Connie, and after decades of married life, Val takes the plunge back into the world of dating with trepidation and excitement. But can she remember how the single life works, let alone what her type is? There seem to be plenty of Mr Maybes, but no sign of Mr Right.

As the year passes, and as friendships and community life flourish, Val begins to blossom. And as Christmas approach, she might just decide she doesn’t need that plus-one after all - although never say never... 

Judy Leigh is back with her trademark promise of laughter, love and friendship. The perfect feel-good novel for all fans of Dawn French, Dee Macdonald and Cathy Hopkins.

What a truly lovely story, and another fabulous book from the always talented Judy Leigh. 

It's about coming into your own as a woman in your seventies after a divorce, and learning whether or not you really need a man by your side. 

There is the possibility of potential Mr Maybe's who could be picked and asked to accompany Val to her sons Wedding at the end of the year, so we do get to meat a fair few men, but not necessarily dating, just potential targets that come into Val's life. 

Val is also making a variety of new friends in her new local community having only just moved to Lowenstowe.  There are a whole variety of characters which all completely captured my heart for all manner of reasons. 

There is a clear theme of keeping beaches clean, and caring for your environment throughout the book, and I loved seeing how Val and everyone joins together in the hopes of raising awareness for these sorts of issues.  I loved how the community was banding together for a common cause. 

I also really liked Val's idea of favour boxes, and the way she got on with all of her neighbours. And we get to learn so many character's stories and get to know them fairly well that I found I was wishing good things on everyone. 

It's a very really enjoyable book that I had a great time reading it. 

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

Book Review - The Little Barn of Dreams by Lucy Knott

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Title: The Little Barn of Dreams

Author: Lucy Knott

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Aria

Publication Date: 8th July 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

Can two dreamers find love in the real world?

'A lovely, very different 5* read from Lucy Knott, full of her trademark cosiness' - Sam Tonge, author of Summer Secrets at Streamside Cottage

When quirky bookworm Florence Danver loses her job, she knows it's time to make some serious changes. Nanna Margot encourages Flo to spend a week at Camp Calla Lily, where she hasn't been since she lost her parents. Her return is filled with bittersweet memories... until she meets Jo Hadlee.

Soon enough, Flo and fellow dreamer Jo are inseparable as they connect over books and build castles in the air. But when Jo leaves suddenly for his job in London, the fantasy bubble bursts and real-life comes roaring back in.

For Florence to turn her fairy-tale summer into a happily-ever-after, she'll have to dive head-first into real life and all its chaos.

This the the perfect book for anyone that has ever preferred living in fictional worlds of books rather than the real world. Or for those of us who have vivid imaginations. 

As if either of those statements struck a chord with you, then you will most likely be able to relate to Florence.  She much prefers the company of people in her books to real life, and struggles to trust anyone. She has a habit of drifting off into daydreams, and also enacting accents of various characters when uncomfortable. 

She's a wonderfully quirky character who I'd love to meet in real life. and as much as I enjoyed our initial introduction to Florence, it was once she was at Camp Calla Lilly that that book took on another dimension in part due to meeting Jo. 

All I'll say is it was a delight any time Jo and Florence were on the same page together. 

In fact the whole novel is truly delightful and I enjoyed myself immensely whizzing through the pages unable to turn them fast enough. 

Another joy to read from Lucy Knott. 

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

Book Review - Playing For Love by Jeevani Charika

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Title: Playing For Love

Author: Jeevani Charika

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ

Publication Date: 11th February 2022

Rating: 5 Stars

When Sam’s not working on her fledgling business, she spends her time secretly video-gaming. Her crush is famous gamer Blaze, and she’s thrilled when she’s teamed up with him in a virtual tournament.

But what Sam doesn’t know is that Blaze is the alter ego of Luke, her shy colleague – and he has a secret crush too.

Luke has a crush on Sam.

Sam has a crush on Blaze.

How will this game of love play out?

The inner geek and gamer girl inside of me loved every second of this book, even more than the rom com fan part of me.  And the two alter egos and the complicated situation is utterly delightful and amusing. 

But it was the descriptions of SyrenQuest this new video game that Blaze and Bravura are playing that had me completely hooked.  I couldn't get enough of it, and it was so well described that I could see it so clearly in my head, and almost wanted one of the Syren 3 Headsets in order to play it myself! 

And then there is Luke and Sam, who work in the same building and whose paths keep crossing as Luke is helping Sam with her handbag insert business, in trying to get it off the ground. 

I loved both sets of interactions but it really was the gaming side of it that captured my imagination.  Especially the fact that Blaze is a well known gaming youtuber, and I've been known to watch gaming streams myself, and then the whole gaming convention with cosplay elements.  Well I've been to a ComicCon so have a good idea how all of that works too. 

This book was just a sheer pleasure to read, I thoroughly enjoyed spending time in my garden, with these fabulous characters, and it is so refreshing to read a book where women are allowed to be a bit more geeky than they are often portrayed as. 

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

Book Review - The Village of Happy Ever Afters by Alison Sherlock

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Title: The Village of Happy Ever Afters

Author: Alison Sherlock

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 31st March 2022

Rating: 5 Stars

Molly Hopkins has happily watched all of her friends’ dreams come true on Riverside Lane.

Deciding to follow her passion for baking, Molly with the help of her friends takes the plunge and opens a Tea Garden in the village hoping to make it a summer to remember!

Meanwhile, after a rather public end of his marriage, Logan Armstrong trusts no one but his beloved Grandad. He just wants his brief stay in Cranbridge to be as quiet as possible. But his Grandad has other ideas; he dreams of seeing the old watermill working again which might just mean Logan has to ask the village for help.

Can Molly finally overcome her lack of confidence and believe in her abilities to make the tea garden a success?

Will Logan discover that Molly might just be the one to mend his broken heart? And will both of them realise that life is for living and loving?

Over a long hot summer in Cranbridge, perhaps everyone’s dreams of a happy-ever-after can finally come true.

I am loving this series so much and this was another fabulous instalment. 

Mollie is a wonderful character, who has a great story arc over the course of the book.

She is always there for her friends and occasionally wonders if she is a bit of a doormat,  until an opportunity comes along that looks perfect for her, if she has the confidence to take it. 

Then there is Logan, a man incredibly talented with his hands,  and one who is happy to try to do anything to help his grandad out, even while he is generally trying to heal after a painful break up.

And how great it was to catch up with everyone from the previous 3 books. We get to see a lot from all the Cranbridge regulars. 

Not to mention lashings of cake,  a cosy feel to it, assorted other storyline that caught my attention. 

Was able to read this over two sunny afternoons in the garden and I can't think of a better way to have spent the time than curled up with a warm and loving book.

Was a sheer pleasure to read this, and I really hope this wasn't the last we have seen of Riverside Lane. 

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

Book Review - Jingle Bells in June by Rosie Green

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Title: Jingle Bells in June

Author: Rosie Green

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self published

Publication Date: 11th April 2022 

Rating: 5 Stars

Mackenzie Morris, newest recruit at the Little Duck Pond Café, is the perfect addition to the team. But beneath her smiles, Kenzie is hiding a dark secret. It’s the reason she fled to Sunnybrook, desperate for a fresh start that would help to lay the ghosts that haunt her.

The challenge of turning her hobby into a business is a welcome distraction, and to her relief, she finds that her range of quirky pottery mugs and vases appear to be in demand. Alone and scared when she arrived, she’s slowly making friends and starting to feel as if she belongs. Meeting a lovely guy called Aidan seems to confirm this and it looks as if love might be on the horizon.

But then Kenzie makes a devastating discovery that threatens to crush her new-found happiness. Aidan is the one person she yearns to confide in. He’s also the one person who can never know the truth . . .

Speechless. 

I read this is in one sitting in under 2 hours, I just couldn't put the book down  I needed to know just all the details of lead to Mackenzie to move to Sunnybrook. 

I mean I had an inkling but as her back story is revealed, a meteor could have hit and I wouldn't have moved, I was absorbed to new levels of absorption. 

Once again I am astounded at just what depth and qualities to Rosie Green's writing. Once again this could easily be read as a standalone novel, with a brand new character, but also we do see some of the regulars, as one of Kenzie's jobs is at the Little Duck Pond Cafe.  And I loved the latest development in Ellie's story. 

This is a book that will take you on a rollercoaster of pretty much all emotions, it is so powerful, but also has moments to make you smile, and I was hoping that Kenzie would get some happiness, even if she feels she doesn't deserve it. 

And there are bits to her backstory that had me gasping, I just didn't see them coming and I was on tenterhooks to discover what would happen next. 

This feels a bit darker, more serious in places than other books in the series, with the big topics being dealt with, in a very sensitive and empathetic manner. I really felt for Kenzie, and also certain other people in the book. 

And if you are worried that the title will mean this is an out of season Christmas book, please don't worry, it is a very apt title, that will make complete sense as you read it, but it's not remotely a Christmas book nor does it try to be! 

I can't say anything else as I'll give things away but just wowsers.  This was fabulous, and a part of an evening incredibly well spent.   I feel sorry for whatever my next book is, as I think elements of this story may be on my mind for a good long while. 

Utterly fabulous! 

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

Book Review - An Escape to Remember by T. A. Williams

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Title: An Escape to Remember

Author: T. A. Williams

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Canelo

Publication Date: 24th March 2022

Rating: 5 Stars

She needed a getaway. What she found was a home.

When Louise surprises her boyfriend by returning early from a work trip, safe to say she wasn’t expecting to see him in flagrante with another woman. Heart-torn and vowing to stay away from men, when Louise’s next project involves restoring an ageing hotel in Italy, she leaps at the chance to get away.

Managed by a crew of sextagenarians, the Grand Hotel del Monferrato needs all the love and care Louise can give it. But it’s hard to stay focused on the job when her thoughts keep straying to Vito, the reclusive and mysterious neighbour.

With his tragic past and her no-romance policy, Louise knows they can’t have a future. Yet something keeps pulling the two together…

A beautiful romance set in the hills of Turin, perfect for readers of Lucy Coleman and Alex Brown.

T. A. Williams once again proves why he the the king of the Italian set romance! 

Once more I have been transported to sun drenched Italy, in a gorgeous countryside setting, a rather energetic black lab, and at one point there was even the potential of four men for Louise's heart.  Although from the outset one was far more obvious than the others, although whether they would ever get together is something I'm not willing to spoil! 

And there is a clear love affair with Italian food present too, with the most fabulous chef at the hotel that Louise is trying to revamp and turn around. In fact I really loved all the staff this initially run down, outdated hotel came with, and having finished the book I'm sorry to leave my new Italian family behind. 

I just loved everything about this book, and wish I could have been transported between the pages to experience life in the hills of Turin for myself!  Another simply triumphant story from one of my favourite authors to escape with. 

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

7 Years?! That's insane! Happy Blogivesary to Me!

Happy Blog birthday to me! 

Can you believe it that 7 years ago today, I launched Rachel's Random Reads? I'm struggling to believe it, given so much has happened within those 7 years. 

But one thing has stayed constant my love of book, reading, and of course the fact that I keep writing reviews into the internet, in the hopes that someone may also be tempted to read some of the same books that I have loved. 

So a massive thank you has to go to anyone that has ever supported my blog, from Laura Bambrey (who basically kicked me into gear and had me start the blog in the first place), to all the authors who have written such fabulous books, without which I wouldn't really have a reason to blog.   To all the bloggers who provide such a friendly book community and made me feel welcome from day 1.  

I also have to given a mahooosive thank you to Alison Daughtrey-Drew  (Ali the Dragon Slayer), who was such a massive support to me from the first few weeks of the blog (after I admitted I had started one).  She has kept me sane and going on so many occasions.  Unfortunately she lost her long battle against the dragon (of cancer) earlier this year, and she is missed every single day. Ali - I love you, you are the best and I will never forget you. 

And of  course a huge thank you to anyone who is just generally reading my blog and enjoys my reviews.  I just hope they are of some help. 

Anyone who visits regularly may have noticed my posting hasn't been as consistent recently.  This is purely as books seem to be taking me longer to read.  Back in year 1 of the blog when I had the nightmarish commute, I was often reading a book a day.  Fast forward to 2022 and it seems more like a book per 3-4 days most of the time, which is driving me nuts.  Work which I love, definitely eats into reading time, as does my re-awakened over the last year love of video games.  

Time is becoming a nightmare to juggle, and I'm almost looking forward to seeing John Bishop at the O2 tonight more because it's the best part of an hour each way on the tube, and thus uninterrupted by anything else reading time, than actually seeing the comedy! 

Rest assured though that I'm not going anywhere I have every intention of keeping blogging as long as there are books to read, I just may not be quite as prolific as before, and frankly the next couple of weeks are looking a tad sparse on the blog, purely as I am either reading books to stay ahead of tours I'm organising (to avoid spoilers), or when I pick something randomly they seem to be books not coming out for a while, so I have reviews scheduled far in advance, but not necessarily 

Easily my highlight of the last year, was receiving the RNA Media Star of the Year Award, something I still can't believe, I love looking at it, and know that had I never started my blog then I would have never won an award ever in my life. So thank you once more to the RNA. 

It's looking like very slowly in person book events are starting to appear again.  I just hope all the fabulous publishers haven't forgotten me, as the online events weren't really doing anything for me, as nothing beats the thrill of meeting an author in real life, not across the screen.  I just hope my days of going to book launches and showcases  and meet ups aren't numbered, as I'll take any excuse to leave the house, jump on a tube and benefit from extra reading time, in addition to the event itself! 

Anyways no idea how I've managed 7 years, I don't think there is much I have kept at for that long ever, and I hope that we are all still together in another 7 years time. 

Thanks for supporting my little piece of the internet, I love you all! 

Book Review - Villa of Second Chances by Jennifer Bohnet

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Title: Villa of Second Chances

Author: Jennifer Bohnet

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 1st March 2022

Rating: 5 Stars

Everyone deserves a second chance…right?

Escape to the Villa in the South of France with Top 10 international bestseller Jennifer Bohnet, for an uplifting story of family, love and second chances.

Run by sisters Rebecca and Delphine, Villa Sesame is a popular venue for small intimate weddings on the sparkling French Riviera. Beautiful terraces and a horizon pool overlook the Mediterranean, a setting where dreams come true.

When recently widowed Delphine unexpectedly announces her desire to retire and live a different life, Rebecca feels her own life could be slipping into free fall.

How can she possibly carry on with the business without her sister at her side?

Could this be the beginning of the end for Villa Sésame and Rebecca’s life as she knows it?

As the guests gather for the June wedding of Freya and Marcus, Freya’s two childhood friends bring their own problems to the villa and cousin Verity has her own agenda.

But it's the arrival of a certain guest who throws Rebecca’s whole world into turmoil and she finds herself asking the question, where do I go from here?

How lovely it was to be able to spend time in the South of France, on the French Riviera with this fabulous cast of characters. 

And what an apt title this book has, as the Villa Sesame really did seem instrumental in giving out all manner of second chances. 

There are some fun surprises to be uncovered too, as threads of the story, connect in ways you may not have initially imagined. 

I loved getting to know Freya Rebecca, Clemmie, Angela and to a lesser extent Verity, as Freya and Marcus' wedding approaches. 

These are all characters in the prime of their lives, perhaps a tad more mature than you would perhaps expect, and learning about their various life experiences and how they are dealing with their current situations is heartening. 

This is another fabulous story from Jennifer Bohnet who always brings gorgeous scenery, a lovely glimpse into France, and characters that get under your skint to the extent you actually care what is happening to them. 

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

Book Review - Welcome To Your Life by Bethany Rutter - Blog Tour

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Title: Welcome To Your  Life

Author: Bethany Rutter

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harper Collins

Publication Date: 31st March 2022

Rating: 5 Stars

This is a love story…

Serena Mills should be at her wedding. But she’s not.

Instead, she’s eating an ice cream sundae and drinking an obscenely large glass of wine in a Harvester off the M25.

Everyone thinks she’s gone mad.

She’s left the man everyone told her she was ‘so lucky’ to find – because Serena wants to find love. Real love. A love she deserves – not one she should just feel grateful for.

So, she escapes to the big city and sets herself a challenge: 52 weeks. 52 dates. 52 chances to find love. It should be easy, right?

 

A story about love, forging your own path, and falling head over heels – with yourself.

Such an incredibly enjoyable debut adult novel from Bethany Rutter. 

This had me smiling and absorbed in the life of Serena, right from page one. It's the story of Serena starting to come to terms with her body image, and of potentially finding love, after jilting her fiancee, about an hour before the last possible minute! 

Her  new work colleague Nicole has a larger than life personality and I loved all scenes she was in, and her attitude towards life was great.  And she had a storyline that is potentially and sadly relatable to as a larger woman. 

I kept wanting to slap Serena and tell her, that she is wonderful and that weight doesn't come into how attractive you are to men, and for her self esteem to be better, but as I say this was a self discovery journey as much as anything else. 

It's also a look at dating in London for the plus sized woman, and I loved the variety of men she meets, and in some of the circumstances too.  And on the odd occasion there is a mention of sex, it was written fantastically! 

I had a fabulous time reading this book, and have already told my mum she will love it, when I get her a copy! It's just my sort of book, and brilliantly entertaining with it! 

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

Book Review - One Greek Summer by Kate Frost

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Title: One Greek Summer

Author: Kate Frost

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 9th March 2022

Rating: 4 Stars

Taking a chance on love is just the beginning…

All NEW from bestselling author Kate Frost.

When Harlow Sands arrives on an idyllic Greek island to work on a big budget movie, it should be the opportunity of a lifetime. But her uncertainty over the direction of her life and the high expectations of Maeve Fennimore-Bell, her domineering Hollywood producer mum, threatens to ruin her summer on beautiful Skopelos

Location manager Tyler Reed has his fair share of demons. His and Harlow’s lives have been entwined for over a decade and now forced to work together, their complicated past begins to unravel.

Harlow is desperate to break free and make her own way in the world, but with a fractured family, a long-hidden secret and a need to belong, can her happy-ever-after be found during one Greek summer?

Escape to the beautiful Greek isles with bestseller Kate Frost for the perfect uplifting, feel-good romantic read.

I had completely forgotten until it was mentioned quite early on in the book that Mamma Mia had been in part filmed on Skopelos.  So to be reading a book featuring another film being produced on the same island was fabulous for me. 

As I'm a huge fan of Greek lslands, movies, romance, armchair travel, and well everything else that was featured in this story. 

So I really did enjoy Harlow's story, which has some surprising amounts of depth to it, compared to the gloriously sunny cover. It touches on all manner of big and relevant issues, which are dealt with sensitively.  But in addition there is Adonis. 

Even his name summons up Greek godlike looks, and he is incredibly good looking, and comes across as quite hard to get to know initially but once he warmed up, well I want an Adonis of my own! 

This is all about Harlow trying to improve her relationship with her mother, and trying to find out what she want to do with her life to make her happy. And where it turns out in some ways surprised me as I didn't see it coming, it also made complete and utter sense to the story, and to the characters, so really worked for me. 

I really was transported to Skopelos, and a taste of how you are a location assistant on a big film, on a Greek Island.  From the climate, to the food and the feeling of family life in Greece, I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading this book.   What a joy it was. 

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