Saturday 30 September 2023

Book Review - Bad Men by Julie Mae Cohen

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Amazon UK

Title: Bad Men
Author: Julie Mae Cohen
Format reviewed: Ebook
Source: Netgalley
Publisher: Zaffre
Publication Date: 20th July 2023
Rating: 5 Stars

Saffy has a secret. A secret that she is deeply ashamed of. It's not the fact that she's a serial killer in her free time. In fact, she's quite proud of that. After all she's only killing the bad men. She is making the world a better place.

No, her secret is far worse than that. Saffy has a messy, inexplicable, uncontrollable crush. So while she's busy plotting her next murder, she also has the much harder task of figuring out how to get a boyfriend.

But if there's one thing Saffy knows, it's how to get her man . . .

At the point I picked this up to start reading, I just knew with my current frame of mind a book called Bad Men would suit me perfectly. 

And I was right, I just wish I had my own Saffy, to track down and dispose of the men that had led to me being drawn to this title - although thankfully not for the same reasons as Saffy normally indulges her hobby. 

For Saffy has a secret hobby of killing men who deserve it, and somehow she seems to get away with it every time.  My heart broke for her a bit, as we learned just what motivated and happened with her first kill.  These are men who utterly deserve to die! 

And then there is a true crime podcaster who discovers a dead body on his doorstep and ends up doing more than just investigating and trying to get justice for people and discussing murder the whole time.  He's a suspect! Oh and Saffy may just have a crush on the podcaster! 

It is very rare for you to want to side with a serial killer, but Saffy is amazing, and so charismatic, and only kills for the best of reasons, it is really hard not to look up to her! I wouldn't quite say there need to be more Saffy's in this world as that could be rather dangerous. 

I knew I loved Juile Cohen's books in the past, but wow her dark side is really something special.  This is utterly amazing, I couldn't get enough of it, and it totally took my mind off real life too! 

I can't wait to see if this is the start of something new with this dark side unleashed and look forward to seeing what will be written next. 

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

Friday 29 September 2023

Book Review - A Midnight Kiss on Ever After Street by Jaimie Admans - #HolidayReading Mallorca

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Amazon UK

Title: A Midnight Kiss on Ever After Street
Author: Jaimie Admans
Format reviewed: Ebook
Source: Netgalley
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Publication Date: 4th July 2023
Rating: 5 Stars

A picture-perfect town, a place where dreams come true. Welcome to Ever After Street...

Will a kiss at midnight change her life forever?

Sadie Winters has spent her whole life doing as she’s told. But when her overbearing aunt forbids her from going to the farewell ball at the beloved local castle, Sadie has had enough!

One magical makeover, one midnight curfew, and wearing a dress of her own creation, Sadie is unrecognizable as Ever After Street's shy seamstress.

Sadie might dream of meeting a handsome prince but the only person to cross her path is Witt – the slightly awkward estate agent intending to sell the castle and dash Sadie’s dreams forever.

As the clock strikes midnight, Sadie and Witt share a magical kiss and Sadie knows her heart is in serious danger. Surely Witt must feel the same way…? Sadie can't hang around to find out.

But as reality dawns the next day, and fate brings Witt to Sadie’s door again, Sadie realises that her mystery estate agent prince has absolutely no idea who she is!

Sadie can’t forget their midnight kiss, but is she brave enough to change her life and find love along the way…?

A modern day cinderella story, everything about this book was just enchanting and magical.

From the first few pages Jaimie Admans had me under her spell, with the most picture perfect of settings and the whole feel of the book was simply superb.

We have a Cinderella dress shop, a search from Prince Charming for his Cinderella, an aunt who is in a constant battle with her niece over the direction and ownership of the shop, a "prince" who doesn't fit the conventional feel for a storybook prince and whole lot more besides.

And Ever After Srett, I just want to hop on a train and come and visit,  the amount of imagination that went into creating all the shops on the street, it was just all so perfect. 

I devoured this book, it was an absolute delight to read.  I couldn't get enough of it and read it in a few short hours, while on holiday.  

Once again this author has had me under her spell and completely enthralled and entertained. Utterly brilliant. 

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

Thursday 28 September 2023

Book Review - The Hike by Lucy Clarke - #HolidayReading Mallorca

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Amazon UK

Title: The Hike
Author: Lucy Clarke
Format reviewed: Ebook
Source: Netgalley
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: 28th September 2023
Rating: 5 Stars

THE PERFECT DAY FOR A HIKE

Leaving behind their everyday lives, four friends hike out into the beautiful Norwegian wild – nothing between them and the mountain peak but forest, sea and sharp blue sky.

THE PERFECT PLACE TO DISAPPEAR

But there’s a darker side to the wilderness. A woman went missing here one year ago, scarring the mountain with suspicion and unanswered questions.

Now, the friends are hiking into the heart of the mystery. And waiting on the trail is someone who’d do anything to keep their secrets buried – and to stop the group walking away alive . . .

Who knew wilderness hiking in the gorgeous Norwegian mountains could be so utterly treacherous. 

And not just for the conditions, but also for a hidden dark side to them. 

Liz and her friends go on holiday once a year together, taking it in turns to pick the destination. And this time Liz has opted away from a beach holiday to the slight horror of the others.

I loved getting to know all of the friends, and their circumstances, 

But above all what hoked me were the descriptions of the terrain they were walking on, of how it mad e them feel and just the whole hike in general 

I didn't predict any of it, and it kept me enthralled from the first to last page, and I was so engaged with the story that I lost track of the time and a barman actually had to make sure I left the bar as it was closing time, but I hadn't noticed anyone else emptying out around me! 

I read this in a few short hours in one sitting and you couldn't have parted me from the story if you tried. 

It's another incredibly gripping story from Lucy Clarke. 

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

Wednesday 27 September 2023

Book Review - All My Love by Miranda Dickinson - #HolidayReading Mallorca

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Amazon UK

Title: All My Love
Author: Miranda Dickinson
Format reviewed: Ebook
Source: Netgalley
Publisher: HQ
Publication Date: 2nd February 2023
Rating: 5 Stars

Sometimes love can be staring you in the face . . . and you don’t even know it

By day, Archie works tirelessly as assistant to the editor of a local newspaper.

By night, Esther works after hours cleaning the rows of office desks with the help of her trusty sidekick, Fred the trolley.

Their paths have never crossed, until one discarded Post-it note unexpectedly brings them together.

Because they share one thing in common . . . they’re both secretly in love with someone else.

And they might just be the two people who can help each other find the courage to confess their feelings and write the perfect love letter.

But what if they’re falling for the wrong person?

Once again Miranda Dickinson has written an enchanting love story that really got under my skin. 

I loved the first communication between Esther and Archie, and once they meet in person,  they are so adorable. 

I loved how they became fast and firm friends, as Esther tries to help Archie get the girl he believes he is in love with and has been for many years.

While Esther is trying to get over some unrequited love herself. 

There are multiple unexpected turns this story takes, and I was eager to keep with them, as we start to understand that what  you think you may at first desire, may not be the same in reality. 

I loved the Old Boys music group yjay Archie belongs too, you could tell right away they are a very special group of people 

Off to perhaps a bit of a slow start, once the story gets into its stride, it becomes more and more more-ish. 

Another sure fire hit from this author. 

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

Tuesday 26 September 2023

Book Review - Not In A Billion Years by Camilla Isley

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Amazon UK

Title: Not In A Billion Years
Author: Camilla Isley
Format reviewed: Ebook
Source: Netgalley
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Publication Date: 6th September 2023
Rating: 5 Stars

She's a self-made fitness sensation. He's a billionaire mogul. They're sworn enemies and rivals... aren't they?

Blake Avery knows all about hard work. She’s gone from making videos in her teenage bedroom to founding a booming fitness business and opening a state-of-the-art Manhattan gym. Now she’s on the cusp of realizing her wildest dreams, and she’s not going to let anyone stand in her way.

Certainly not man-of-the-hour Gabriel Mercer. He might be one of the biggest names in the fitness world and set women’s pulses soaring more than a grueling HIIT workout, but he grew up in a billionaire dynasty and had everything handed to him – or so Blake thinks.

But when Blake publicly criticizes Gabriel, she sparks a feud that neither entrepreneur is willing to back down from. And in an industry that seems determined to keep pushing them together, can Blake hold on to her grudge? Or will she finally warm up to Gabriel's charm?

I'm a massive Camilla Isley fan, and it has been far too long since she last released a new book, so I couldn't wait to get my hands on Not In A Billion Years. 

And was totally worth the wait, completely up to her normal standards, and utterly entertaining. 

The dynamics and banter between Blake And Gabriel are wonderful.  They are both alphas, top of their fields, and yet their meet cute was hilarious.  

And from then on, it seemed as those Blake was constantly determined to on up Gabriel at every opportunity, with all manner of fabulous results - Gabriel's first gym class as Blake's gym comes to mind instantly. 

I loved their dynamic from the first few pages and just had to wonder when the inevitable would happen. It was such a joy when it did and I loved the journey to get there, as well as from that point. 

It's full of humour, some wonderful family members and personal assistants, and so much more besides.  It's a joy to read and I just hope I won't have to wait as long before the next new book from this author. 

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

Monday 25 September 2023

Book Review - The Love of My Life by Rosie Walsh - #HolidayReading Mallorca

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Amazon UK

Title: The Love Of My Life
Author: Rosie Walsh
Format reviewed: Ebook
Source: Netgalley
Publisher: Mantle
Publication Date: 1st June 2022
Rating: 5 Stars

I have held you every night for ten years and I didn’t even know your name. We have a child together. A dog, a house.
Who are you?

Emma loves her husband Leo and their young daughter Ruby: she’d do anything for them. But almost everything she's told them about herself is a lie.

And she might just have got away with it, if it weren’t for her husband’s job. Leo is an obituary writer and Emma is a well-known marine biologist, so, when she suffers a serious illness, Leo copes by doing what he knows best – reading and writing about her life. But as he starts to unravel her past, he discovers the woman he loves doesn’t really exist. Even her name is fictitious.

When the very darkest moments of Emma’s past life finally emerge, she must somehow prove to Leo that she really is the woman he always thought she was . . . But first, she must tell him about the love of her other life.

Rosie Walsh is the mistress of the unexpected twist, and once again she managed to completely and utterly outfox me with this book.

It was wonderful, I loved seeing how the layers unravelled until you are finally left with the truth. 

I loved Leo and Emma's love story, but even more so, I loved seeing the layers of deception, and discovering alongside Leo, the truth about Emma's past. 

After all how well do you really know your wife. Can you really be sure there aren't some massive secrets to be uncovered. 

Once this book got going it ramped up until I just had to keep reading and reading to find out what would happen next.

It was fabulous.

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

Sunday 24 September 2023

Book Review - A Game of Lies by Clare Mackintosh - #HolidayReading Mallorca

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Amazon UK

Title: A Game of Lies
Author: Clare Mackintosh
Format reviewed: Ebook
Source: Netgalley
Publisher: Sphere
Publication Date: 20th July 2023
Rating: 5 Stars

They say the camera never lies.
But on this show, you can't trust anything you see.

Stranded in the Welsh mountains, seven reality show contestants have no idea what they've signed up for.

Each of these strangers has a secret. If another player can guess the truth, they won't just be eliminated - they'll be exposed live on air. The stakes are higher than they'd ever imagined, and they're trapped.

The disappearance of a contestant wasn't supposed to be part of the drama. Detective Ffion Morgan has to put aside what she's watched on screen, and find out who these people really are - knowing she can't trust any of them.

And when a murderer strikes, Ffion knows every one of her suspects has an alibi . . . and a secret worth killing for.

Ffion us back in this second book of a fabulous series,  and has an incredibly memorable canine companion with her this time around. 

Set about 18 months or so after the first book, and a new big crime hits this quiet Welsh Town.  

With a backdrop of a new reality TV programme,  a YouTuber who is desperate for the limelight, a cross border investigation initially into a missing contestant, this story has a bit of everything. 

And with 7 contestants who didn't know in advance that the show they signed up for would be revealing their biggest secrets, it is high stakes car crash TV, that is very compelling to read about. 

This is fast paced and I loved seeing the how the investigations gather pace. 

I also enjoyed occasional chapters from other character viewpoints which really helps to show just how fake these sorts of programmes are. 

Utterly addictive I last every word of this book.

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

Saturday 23 September 2023

Book Review - The Only Suspect by Louise Candlish - #HolidayReading Mallorca

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Amazon UK

Title: The Only Suspect
Author: Louise Candlish
Format reviewed: Ebook
Source: Netgalley
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication Date: 2nd February 2023
Rating: 4 Stars


Wrong time. Wrong place. Wrong man.
 
Alex lives a comfortable life with his wife Beth in the leafy suburb of Silver Vale. Fine, so he’s not the most sociable guy on the street, he prefers to keep himself to himself, but he’s a good husband and an easy-going neighbour.
 
That’s until Beth announces the creation of a nature trail on a local site that’s been disused for decades and suddenly Alex is a changed man. Now he’s always watching. Questioning. Struggling to hide his dread . . .
 
As the landscapers get to work, a secret threatens to surface from years ago, back in Alex’s twenties when he got entangled with a seductive young woman called Marina, who threw both their lives into turmoil.
 
And who sparked a police hunt for a murder suspect that was never quite what it seemed. It still isn’t.
 
No one else could have done it. Could they?

Well I definitely didn't see that coming.  Louise Candlish had me completely fooled and what I thought was going on we wrong.

This is a very clever story with two main storyline, as we discover the details of an old crime and also of what appears to be a man on the verge of a breakdown. 

There are plenty of twists to keep you guessing and I really felt sorry for Marina.

Split between the past and present, I was invested in all the characters and was keen to discover what was going on.

Another great book from this always talented author.  

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

Friday 22 September 2023

Book Review - The Gingerbread Christmas Village by Kiley Dunbar - #HolidayReading Mallorca

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Amazon UK

Title: The Gingerbread Christmas Village
Author: Kiley Dunbar
Format reviewed: Ebook
Source: Publisher supplied copy
Publisher: Hera Books
Publication Date: 31st August 2023
Rating: 5 Stars

Everyone deserves a Christmas treat...

The annual Wheaton gingerbread exhibit (a model village made of gingerbread) and grotto has been an important part of the sleepy Cotswold hamlet’s Christmas celebrations for decades.

For years the gingerbread exhibition drew visitors from across the region and each year the model town grew more elaborate and ambitious but recently, interest has been dwindling. The gingerbread grotto needs to be rehomed or close forever.

Sixty-four-year-old Margi, the event’s founder, has had enough of village life (and its total lack of eligible men) and is planning to sell up and head to Birmingham to live closer to her niece.

She has lost her spark and her Christmas spirit and decides this will be her last gingerbread village, but despairs when she finds her only support is her old friend, Izzy, her niece Lucy from Birmingham, and Fern, the shy young farmer’s daughter. Oh, and Patrick, the gorgeous, reliable school caretaker.

As if this wasn’t enough, Lucy is determined to get her out dating again and persuades her to try some online dating apps but Margi’s had her heart broken too many times and wonders if she has just missed her chance.

Can they save the Gingerbread Grotto and can Margi get her old spark and her Christmas spirit back?

A cosy, totally feelgood seasonal read that will have you smiling. The perfect read to snuggle up and have you feeling festive! Fans of Jenny Colgan and Trisha Ashley will love this book.

Christmas wrapped up in a gingerbread bow. Utter festive perfection. 

For my first Christmas book of the 2023 festive reads season, I couldn't have asked for a better book. 

Despite reading it poolside in Mallorca in the heat of summer, it left me feeling rather warm and fuzzy, and with a strong feeling of goodwill towards everyone 

I couldn't get enough of Margi, Izz, Patrick and Fern as they try keep up Margi's family's tradition of making a gingerbread village. Despite the cost of ingredients going up and all manner of obstacles in their way. 

Add in some great side plots, and you have just a really fabulous festive ready, that will have you craving gingerbread.

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

Thursday 21 September 2023

Book Review - Snow Angels at Golden Sands Bay by Georgina Troy

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Title: Snow Angels at Golden Sands Bay 
Author: Georgina Troy
Format reviewed: Ebook
Source: Netgalley
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Publication Date: 25th August 2023
Rating: 4 Stars

Dig out your hard hat and gaze up at the snowflake-speckled sky in this uplifting story of friendship and second chances, perfect for fans of Phillipa Ashley and Christie Barlow.
Portia Fortescue has traded in the hustle and bustle of London to help renovate a magnificent French manor house on the beautiful island of Jersey with her boyfriend Charlie.

But what they hoped would be a blissful escape to the chateau, turns out to be more of a DIY SOS. As the winter snow sets in, the stress of restoring the derelict building begins to take its toll on their relationship. Portia has known heartbreak before, but thought she’d found her happy-ever-after with Charlie…

Then, just as all seems lost, Portia and Charlie discover the warmth of the community – the best friends anyone could ever ask for. This new life could be everything they want it to be... if only they can finish the chateau in time for its grand reopening!

It was a pleasure to be back in Jersey and seeing the familiar faces of the Boardwalk.

The second the action moved to Jersey I felt right at home amongst all the characters, even though it has been ages since I read the previous book in the series. 

This definitely gave a good idea about how cold it can be on the island during the winter months, especially while renovating a run down chateau. 

I loved seeing how Portia and Charlie got stuck into their new life and all the challenges that are in their way.

And the community feel to this was just lovely.

It was a real pleasure to read. 

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

Wednesday 20 September 2023

Book Review - One Winter's Night by Kate Frost

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Amazon UK

Title: One Winter's Night
Author: Kate Frost
Format reviewed: Ebook
Source: Netgalley
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Publication Date: 23rd August 2023
Rating: 5 Stars

To look to the future, you first have to face your past…

With Christmas just around the corner, Molly Bliss has almost hit rock bottom.

After the heart-breaking loss of her parents, an escape to Iceland to spend the holidays with her sister Claudia is a chance for her to find solace and focus on her neglected relationship with her boyfriend Howard. But when Howard 'misses' his flight, Molly is forced to rethink her whole outlook on life.
Surrounded by her family, Molly has never felt more alone. With ongoing family tensions rumbling and a surprising connection with old flame Leifur and his friend James, Molly realises she has an opportunity to rediscover who she really is.
While exploring the wild beauty of Iceland, a fragile hope seeds itself in Molly and alongside the life-affirming experiences and new friendships that are forged, she’s forced to question why she ever put her own dreams on hold.
Will Molly allow grief and disappointment to destroy her chance at happiness, or can new love sparkle as the land of fire and ice begins to work its magic?

Can I jump onto a plane now to Iceland? It sounds idyllic at Christmas time, so long as you can cope with the cold.  On seconds thoughts i'll stick to my winter sun holiday, but happily will keep reading fabulous books such as this about Iceland from the comfort of my armchair! 

I loved every second of this book, as Molly starts to come to terms with her parents deaths, her grief and her whole relationship with Howard, while spending Christmas with her sister, Claudia and their family in Iceland.

i loved the adventurous trips that Elvar guided Molly and other guests at the lodge on,  It gave me a real feel for the country, the danger of the weather, and just how amazing hot springs are.   And the descriptions of some of the natural phenomenons were so vivid, I felt as though I was there. 

It's a novel full of character development and I loved seeing how Molly grew over this Christmas period.  I loved learning about the Icelanding festive traditions too.   i had an early inkling as to how some of the story might play out, but i was never completely sure I'd be right and thoroughly enjoyed finding out. 

There are so many lovely characters, and it was a joy getting to know them all.  Well with the exception of the two that you aren't meant to like! 

This is Christmassy, it's snowy, it's full of family and warmth, and heart, and it's another bit of proof that Kate Frost writes wonderful books set to exotic backdrops. 

I thoroughly enjoyed every second of this book. 

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


Tuesday 19 September 2023

Book Review - Love Blossoms at Puddleduck Farm by Della Galton

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Amazon UK

Title: Love Blossoms at Pudleduck Farm
Author: Della Galton
Format reviewed: Ebook
Source: Netgalley
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Publication Date: 26th August 2023
Rating: 5 Stars

How can life be too busy for love?

Phoebe Dashwood is living the dream. She’s running her own successful vet practice, Puddleduck Vets, alongside her grandmother’s animal sanctuary.

She’s also dating the gorgeous, yet slightly broken Rufus Holt, the most eligible bachelor in the New Forest.
So why isn’t she blissfully happy?

Both Phoebe and Rufus are consumed 24/7 by their own commitments. Their relationship is always last on the list.
Phoebe juggles quirky, yet demanding clients and their pets whilst widowed Rufus is consumed by his anxieties, responsibilities of fatherhood and the unenviable tasks of being a Lord in waiting with a huge estate to manage.

Phoebe knows that when you’re a vet, there isn’t always a happy ending. But will there be a happy ending for Phoebe, Rufus and everyone else at Puddleduck Farm?
Is it ever really possible to have it all?

From the first few pages I felt right at home in this latest Puddleduck Farm book, as though no time had passed since I read the previous one.  Although of course time has passed, and this one is set a while after the previous book. 

But because I have taken the characters so much to heart, there was none of the occasional disconnect I sometimes I get when starting the next book of a series, I could remember things fairly clearly. 

And I loved all the animals present in this book, especially the llamas and guinea pigs.  Oh and the quest to find a behaviourist to work with Sadam is hilarious. 

I loved seeing how Puddleduck Vets is going from strength to strength, although whether the same can really be said of her relationship with Rufus, is another matter.  I was loving some of the more unusual clients that Phoebe needed to deal with this time around.  People never fail to make me laugh!

This is just such a lovely book, it made me smile, it made me laugh and it was fabulous to catch up with some many wonderful characters.  It's another fabulous addition to this series.  My only regret is that I didn't start reading Della Galton's books when her previous series came onto my radar, as I'm never going to have the time to catch up with an author, but so glad I couldn't resist the pull of animals with this series!  

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

Monday 18 September 2023

Book Review - New Beginnings at Wildflower Lock by Hannah Lynn - #HolidayReading Mallorca

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Amazon UK

Title: New Beginnings at Wildflower Lock
Author: Hannah Lynn
Format reviewed: Ebook
Source: Netgalley
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Publication Date: 14th July 2023
Rating: 5 Stars

New starts and hopeful hearts...

At 25, Daisy May’s life is not living up to expectations. Her childhood dreams of being an artist feel as unachievable as a committed relationship or managing to save enough money for a deposit on a house. But a surprise inheritance could change all that.

After Daisy learns she’s now the new owner of a forty-foot narrow boat, she sets out for Wildflower Lock, where the fresh country breeze and the calm water is enough to assure her everything will be okay.

With the help of the ruggedly attractive, yet grumpy riverman, Theo, she begins to work on her new home, the September Rose. Can she breathe new life into the old boat and learn to navigate not only the canals themselves, but also the people who live there? Or will the whole venture pull her under?

I felt right at home in this story, despite it only being the second book I've ever read from this author, and the first book of this series.  

The writing just drew me in so quickly, and I warmed to Daisy-May incredibly fast. 

To the extent with each secret she undiscovers about her past I really felt for her. 

There is something really inviting about a canal boat setting, and reading about the renovations and Daisy's first trips out on the boat, were just lovely. And I could really picture the landscape. 

However the ending, well that makes me thing this must be the first book in a new series and it makes me very eager to carry on reading. Not so much a cliffhanger, but definitely a "happy for now" sort of feel to the end of the book, with an inkling that more will come.

An absolute joy to devour. 

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

Saturday 16 September 2023

Book Review - Our Last Summer by Jennifer Joyce - #HolidayReading Mallorca

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Amazon UK

Title: Our Last Summer
Author: Jennifer Joyce
Format reviewed: Ebook
Source: Netgalley
Publisher: HQ
Publication Date: 5th July 2023
Rating: 5 Stars

Four years ago, Elodie Parker left the village of Little Heaton where she’d lived for her entire life. She hasn’t been back since.

Now, with her little sister’s wedding looming, she’s going home again. It should be a time for celebration, but there are things Elodie left behind she’s not ready to face. Not least the love of her life, Tomasz. The man who, if Elodie is really honest, she still loves.

But something magical happens on the flight. As turbulence hits, Elodie is thrown back into the past. It’s eight years ago, the day she met Tomasz for the very first time. Before everything went wrong and Elodie ran away forever.

Can Elodie find a way to change the past – and get the happy ever after she longs for?

Who knew time travel could be so believable, and happen while you re on a plane. 

In fact given I'm flying tomorrow (at time of writing the review), I wonder if I can time travel too using the same trigger!

It's great the Elodie is given the chance to re-live some very key summers that shaped her life to this point. 

It was interesting to see how the butterfly effect would impact anything going forwards too. 

I loved getting to know Elodie and her friends, and discovering what did happen originally on that fateful night so many years ago.

This was a joy to read and I couldn't get enough of it. 

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

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