Book Review - Bad Tourists by Caro Carver - #HolidayReading Cyprus

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Amazon UK

Title: Bad Tourists

Author: Caro Carver

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Transworld Digital

Publication Date: 4th July 2024

Rating: 4 Stars

Is it ever a good idea to go on holiday with friends?

Darcy, Camilla and Kate have each come on this trip of a lifetime for a reason - to celebrate a divorce, to find love, to try to put a traumatic past behind them.

Their dream getaway? The Sapphire Island Resort in the Maldives. With crystal-clear waters and sun-drenched white sand beaches, relaxation is guaranteed.

But all is not as it seems in paradise, and this is no ordinary friendship.

They've got nine days to go . . . and old wounds are already reopening.

Will they all make the return journey?

I do enjoy a destination thriller and this one is set to the glorious backdrop of The Maldives. 

So you have luxury accommodation, bright blue skies, fabulous excursions, but at the same time, its remote enough that it seems to be an increasingly popular island chain for murder!

Darcy, Camille and Kate are on a holiday to celebrate Darcy's divorce, they seem on the surface an unlikely group of friends, but as the story progresses we learn a whole lot of about them. 

They are rather interesting people, and we also get to meet Jade, who is there on her honeymoon.  However Jade is also hiding secrets. 

There is a whole lot going on in this rather more-ish book, and I was delighted to have a front row seat to see how it would all unravel. 

Full of secrets and intrigue, this is a really good example of the genre. 

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

Book Review - The Island Getaway by Lucy Diamond

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Amazon UK

Title: The Island Getaway

Author: Lucy Diamond

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Quercus

Publication Date: 30th January 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

The dream holiday just got complicated . . .

On the sun-drenched island of Kefalonia, the new arrivals at The Ionian Escape hotel are hoping for a break from everyday life. But some of them are bringing a lot of baggage . . .

Disgraced TV star Miranda Vallance feels like the worst person in the world. Her sister won't speak to her and her job's on the line. She's desperate to put things right, but how?

Eighty-two-year-old Evelyn Chambers has come to fulfil a promise to the love of her life. If she can steel herself to go through with it, that is . . .

And when celebrity chef Frank Neale checks in, rumours swirl around the hotel. But is it his wife, Leonora, who has more of a reason to escape to Greece?

The Island Getaway is a big-hearted novel from the queen of bestselling fiction, celebrating second chances, true love and the life-affirming joy of unlikely friendships.

I've been enchanted by the idea of visiting Kefalonia ever since I first saw it on a travel programme on TV and although I've made it to other Greek Islands this one has still escaped me, so I was utterly delighted to be transported to to this enchanting island through the pages of this book. 

And this is  a story that is all about the staff and guests at the Ionian Escape hotel, whose lives interlink far more than you may initially imagine.

Each chapter focuses on a different character, with Miranda and Evelyn being two of the main ones in addition to Nelly (and I loved how we were introduced to her), and Claudia who is one of the hotel managers. 

But we also get chapters from the barman, receptionist, Dmiri the big boss and more, and it all puts together a picture of an idyllic place that I was sad to learn was a fictional hotel. Sounds like it would have been somewhere I would have liked to stay myself. 

There is excellent character development and the book grabbed me from the opening chapters and wouldn't let me go. I whizzed through it in two evenings pretty much, and it was an excellent reminder to me as to how much I love this author and why I'm puzzled as to why I haven't' read a few of her most recent novels.  

I was enchanted by everything and thoroughly enjoyed this lovely sunny book, despite it snowing outside (at time of reading).  Definitely a book I would expect to see poolside on my next holidays as its so good! 

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

New immersive comedy adaptation of Pride & Prejudice in London March-July

Easily the most exciting email I've had recently, has been the one giving me all the details about Plied & Prejudice and brand new show coming to London later in the year.  Take a look at these details, and doesn't it sound absolutely fabulous. 

I've seen a few incredibly funny shows that have been imported from Australia in the last year, so am sure this will live up to their standards, especially as it has the same producer as one of them. 

Especially if you are a fan of Pride and Prejudice, parody or theatre generally. And I'm definitely a massive theatre fan, and can't believe my luck at having been offered a ticket for press night! I am so looking forward to seeing this.  What about you?

A fun night out full of madness and mayhem Plied and Prejudice is a side-splitting parody of Jane Austen’s classic novel, brought to you by a hilariously inappropriate cast of actors and musicians.

Telling the tale of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy as you’ve never seen it before Plied and Prejudice invites you to Pemberley for Mr Darcy’s booziest ball. Equal parts performance and party, this immersive show delivers lots of audience participation complete with dance lessons, inappropriate proposals, free flowing drinks brought to you by the servants, that wet shirt scene and cameos from Keira Knightly (not the real one!).

With five actors scrambling to play twenty characters in this chaotic retelling, all notions of respectable theatre (and Regency etiquette) get thrown out the door! Direct from a sellout run in Australia, this is Pride and Prejudice as the BBC would never abide.

Whether you're an Austen die-hard, or you'd rather be watching Die Hard, you're sure to love it—most ardently! Bring your eligible bachelors, your unmarried daughters, and the lover you’ll settle for if your cousin won’t have you, for an unhinged night of love, lust, and libations.

 

 

Perfect for fans of Jane Austen, Bridgerton, Secret Cinema and Punch Drunk

Opening at The Vaults in London on 20th March, Plied and Prejudice will run until 18th May with tickets starting at £19 and available from pliedandprejudice.com/london. Using a traverse or catwalk style stage, audience members sit opposite each other on the chequered dancefloor of Pemberley’s ballroom watching the story unfold in front of them.

Produced by Australian outfit Woodward Productions (The Woman In Black, Jersey Boys, A Very Naughty Christmas) and exec produced by London’s Glass Half Full Productions (The Lehman Trilogy, Ocean at the End of the Lane, 9 to 5: The Musical, Back to the Future: The Musical), Plied and Prejudice has been written by Matthew Semple, from the originating producer Alex Woodward and directed by Dash Kruck, having sold over 40,000 tickets in Australia. The stunning immersive set is designed by legendary theatre designer Penny Challen who has made sets for ROH, RSC, ENO and National Theatre, amongst many others.

Plied and Prejudice at The Vaults in London, runs from 13th March until 18th May – Tickets are available from £19 www.pliedandprejudice.com/london

Book Review - Lessons in Love at the Cornish Country Hospital by Jo Bartlett - #HolidayReading Gambia

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Title: Lessons in Love at the Cornish Country Hospital

Author: Jo Bartlett

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 3rd October 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

A broken bond…

Wendy Tyler’s marriage ended when she discovered her ex-husband, Mike, had got his much younger new partner, Chloe, pregnant. Wendy’s over Mike, but suddenly she fears her own daughters will find a new baby much more exciting that their old mum…

A chance encounter…

But when Wendy bumps into Chloe at St Piran’s, it’s clear something is troubling the fragile young woman. Wendy doesn’t want to be sucked into Chloe and Mike’s relationship, but she can’t help worrying that Chloe needs someone to turn to.

A lesson in love.

And when Wendy realizes that Chloe is more fragile than any of them realised, she knows she has to step up. She might not love Mike anymore, but Chloe is about to join their family and Wendy can’t just stand by. Sometimes life is hard, but the easiest lessons are built on a solid foundation of love.

Another brilliantly emotional and uplifting read guarenteed to have you laughing and reaching for the tissues. If you love Doc Martin, you will love this! Perfect for fans of Jessica Redland, Holly Martin and Heidi Swain.

I'm totally convinced that this series is getting better and better with every book. 

This had me completely hooked from the start and I couldn't put it down until I reached the end. 

We have more of Danni's story, and I am always happy to see more of her, but we also have Wendy's story. And Wendy is a rather interesting character too, she has amazing almost grown up children, a nightmare of an ex-husband, her first love back in her life, and she is also dealing with the fact her ex's new partner is pregnant.   Her kids keep wanting to spend time with Chloe, and as we progress we get to know Chloe quite well too and I really felt for her. 

There are moments of great drama in this story, but equally light relief is as always provided by Gwen. When is that woman getting her own series! I was also happy as there were multiple pregnant ladies in this book, to see cameo's from Jess especially and some of the other midwives and team from Jo Bartlett's previous series making an appearance. Always happy to catch up with old friends. 

So many ups and downs throughout the story, and I was definitely gripped. It was a great way to pass most of my flight from the Gambia back to the UK after my holiday. And I already can't wait to read the next book in the series. Jo Bartlett seems to excel at writing these medical based books and I'm eager to read them as long as she keeps writing them. 

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

Book Review - The Unretirement by Penny Mirren

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Amazon UK

Title: The Unretirement

Author: Penny Mirren

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: 23rd May 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

Meet foodie Maggie Lawford.

After spending her retirement travelling the world, she’s home again – and ready for a new adventure.

When Maggie’s daughter, Hannah, takes her to their favourite restaurant, Maggie is heartbroken to find the place empty. But the last straw comes when Maggie hears the chef is at his wit’s end – she can’t resist charging into the kitchen and taking matters into her own hands.

Never one to give up without a fight, Maggie resolves to save their beloved restaurant from failure, and it’s not long before she has a military-grade plan to turn the place around again. Finding herself back at work, all she’ll need is support from Hannah and her cheeky granddaughter, Alice, as well as a little help from her neighbours.

After all, Maggie’s golden days aren’t behind her just yet…

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and was thinking about Maggie long after the book ended. 

This is a fabulous character who really got under my skin and that I found I was rooting for from the very first few pages and that loved more and more, as the story progressed. 

She might be retired but she is up for a new challenge and finds it in her local Indian Restaurant, which along with her daughter Hannah, grand daughter Alice, and some of Hannah's old school friends they band together to try to save this local institution. 

I took a bit longer to gel with Hannah, but she was developed, I found her growing on me, and really loved well before the end. She is protective of her mother, but at the same time, I think she admires her greatly. 

This is a book that shows that you can still have a fulfilled life after retiring, that you can take on new challenges and actually thrive, even when widowed. It's inspiring, heartwarming, incredibly well written and was a sheer pleasure to read. 

I'm already looking forward to seeing what this author will write next. 

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

Book Review - The Accidental Holiday by Mimi Deb - #HolidayReading Cyprus

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Amazon UK

Title: The Accidental Holiday

Author: Mimi Deb

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: 4th July 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

A totally gorgeous and escapist romcom. Fans of Beth O’Leary and Emily Henry will be totally hooked from the very first page.

Maya loves structure. She loves to plan. She never makes a decision without doing a pros and cons list first. She’s been planning her dream getaway for a long time.

Alex is laid back. He’s learnt the hard way that you can’t control what happens in life, so he’s stopped trying. When he sees an incredible offer on a luxury holiday, he books it without a second thought.

It is only when they arrive at the 5-star resort that they learn there’s a problem: somehow they’ve ended up booked into the same room.

With no other option but to share their suite, could Maya and Alex learn that opposites really do attract?

Oh this was totally my sort of book and I read it pretty much in one sitting while on holiday. 

It's definitely a fabulous holiday read, given it features a holiday itself. 

It's set in Mallorca, predominately around Palma, which I don't know as well as the rest of the island but some of the descriptions certainly were real. 

It's also a book where you are made to think that if a last minute holiday bargain looks and sounds too good to be true, there may be a reason for it. 

For Maya and Alex both booking the night before flying, somehow end up both booked in the same suite. And thus you have the set up for a great forced proximity romance. 

Maya and Alex couldn't be more different if they tried, and Maya sets all sorts of ground rules for the suite, many of which made me want to laugh.

This was really quick to read, and I'm now overjoyed to have discovered Mimi Deb's writing. Certainly a new rom-com author that I'm likely to be reading more from in the future. 

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

Book Review - A Found Family at the Cornish Country Hospital by Jo Bartlett - #HolidayReading Cyprus

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Title: A Found Family at the Cornish country Hospital

Author: Jo Bartlett

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 22nd July 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

A tragic loss…

Since the death of her beloved father, Isla Marlowe has felt the need to do something to honour his memory; something meaningful that will bring joy to others and repay the kindness of a stranger who changed their lives. She’s got the perfect solution, but she’s worried not everyone will understand.

A precious gift…

Aidan Kennedy and his husband, Jase, are desperate to start a family of their own, but finding the right woman to help them is difficult and some people don’t think they should even try. So when Isla offers them the chance to fulfil their dream, they can’t believe their wish is about to come true.

A family made of friends?

But when Isla is forced to face her greatest fear, Aidan and Jase’s dream has to be put on hold. Broken-hearted and questioning everything she once believed, Isla desperately needs someone to share her problems with but has no idea where to turn.

But then, in her darkest hour she discovers that friends can be the family you choose for yourself.

A wonderful new series from Jo Bartlett, about strong friendship, selfless dedication and being brave in love. Perfect for fans of Jessica Redland, Holly Martin and Tilly Tennant.

Jo Bartlett - you can't do that to a reader! To say this this has been an emotional roller coaster would be an understatement. 

I was totally and utterly invested in Isla, Aidan and Jase's stories, and was on the verge of tears multiple times during he story. 

I feel like I have totally been through the wringer with this one, but feeling the depth of emotion I feel for these characters is the sign of an excellent author. 

The writing in this is top notch, and Gwen is of course on hand to add in some humorous touches and imagery. 

I loved meeting Jase's family, Aidan on the other hand has far trickier obstacles to overcome. 

And then there is Isla, the star of this book and actually Jo Bartlett... I'm not sure you should be allowed to throw that much stuff at one poor character.  Isla is lovely and doesn't deserve the hand, her author has dealt her, even if it does make for a gripping and enticing story. 

This is a series that is going from strength to strength and this is another totally fabulous book in it.  Bring on the next one. 

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

Book Review - A New Chapter at the Borrow a Bookshop by Kiley Dunbar - #HolidayReading Gambia

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Amazon UK

Title: A New Chapter at the Borrow a Bookshop

Author: Kiley Dunbar

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Hera

Publication Date: 23rd January 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

Will her new love story be the one she's read before?

A decade after they said goodbye after graduation, old friends Harri and Annie reunite in the beautiful village of Clove Lore in Devon – what more could these bookworms want than a holiday running the tumbledown bookshop?

Unbeknownst to Annie, Harri is arriving with a bruised heart after the end of his long-term relationship, while Annie is running away from painful memories in Texas.

Elsewhere in Clove Lore, the mysterious owner of Castle Lore has died, causing much gossip in the village. When Harri and Annie are sent to investigate the huge Gothic library, they find themselves locked in overnight and soon, are discovering their connection might be more than just good friends...

A gorgeously uplifting friends-to-lovers romance that will make your heart sing. Fans of Jenny Colgan, Trisha Ashley and Heidi Swain will adore this.

Oh Kiley, why oh why does this have to be the end of a glorious series (at east I believe this is the end of the series).  I have loved each and every book and I'm happy to say the series does end on a high. 

We get to see bits from many of the previous borrowers, as well as all the regulars in Clove Lore. 

And we get to know Harri and Annie, long term friends, that are in charge of the bookshop for the duration of this novel. 

As you might expect they start to feel rather fond of the quirky nature of this town and its inhabitants, as well as playing a key role in a gorgeous sub plot featuring another new character. 

I couldn't devour this fast enough, it was a pure joy to read. Another absolute triumph in this series in a setting that will live long in the memory.

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

Book Review - A Postcard From Puffin Island by Christie Barlow - #HolidayReading Gambia

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Title: A Postcard From Puffin Island

Author: Christie Barlow

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 30th September 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

Verity Callaway is running away.

From her job.

From her quiet life in the Midlands.

And most of all from her ex-fiancée…who has just become her newest neighbour.

The plan is simple: hop in her reliable camper van and cross the Channel, headed for a rendezvous with her best friend in Amsterdam to kick off six months of travel. But when Verity stumbles across a decades-old postcard while preparing her cottage for its temporary tenants, her life takes an unexpected turn, and she finds herself on a ferry to Puffin Island instead.

Verity’s childhood was filled with tales of adventures set on the picturesque island, but she’d always thought her beloved granny had made it all up. Now, knowing the stories and the setting were real, Verity is determined to find the postcard’s sender and uncover the secrets of her grandmother’s past…even if it means setting off a sequence of events that will change not just her own life, but also that of the sleepy island’s close-knit community…

Wow what a start to a new series, and what a stunning new setting too. 

I adore Puffin Island and can't wait to read even more books set on it. It's an idyllic tidal island, that is home to a rather large puffin population. 

And when Verity who is on the verge of a big adventure discovers an old undelivered post card from Puffin Island and realises the place in her gran's stories is real, she makes some decisions that change the course of her life totally. 

I adored getting to know a whole village of new characters, and to discover just why there seems to be tension between Sam and Pete. Also various other long almost forgotten secrets started to come out too. 

This is a warm-hearted hug of a book that I instantly felt at home with. Just brilliant.

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

Book Review - The Grown Up To-Do List by Jennifer Joyce

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Title: The Grown Up To-Do List

Author: Jennifer Joyce

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Hera

Publication Date: 12th September 2024

Rating: 4 Stars

Her friends are bossing life - is she being left behind?

25-year-old Cleo is happy enough. She likes her job in the fish and chip shop in the North West seaside town where she grew up. But her world has become very small - all her friends couldn’t wait to leave home and are off, apparently crushing life. They have shiny careers and creative side-hustles, while she is still living with her mum and dad.

But when she learns that her dream childhood boyfriend is coming back to town for a party in three months, she decides she needs to start adulting to win him.

But what does being a grown-up really mean? And can she become one in three months?

A funny, life-affirming romcom perfect for fans of Emily Henry, Beth O’Leary and Mhairi McFarlane

Cleo, oh Cleo, what on earth are we going to do with you. You are fixated on a chance encounter from an old crush, and seem to think that when he is back in town in three months time that it will be the start of a whole new life with him - on the back of one conversation. 

You gotta love a dreamer, and Cleo is definitely relatable.  She in her attempts to be the person she claimed to be to Paul, decides she has a few months to get her life together and become what she believes is a grown up. 

Now some of the things on her list I definitely agree, probably do need to be done, and her utter cluelessness about things are a mix of irritating and utterly charming. She has a certain naivety to her, and it is lovely to see. 

Amongst other things she decides that she needs a "career" as all her friends from school have left her behind in the efforts of growing up and getting on with life., but she has no idea what she wants to do with her life, while its obvious she enjoys her current job in a fish and chip shop. 

She wants to learn to drive, and some of her descriptions of early lessons I can definitely identify with  from her early attempts.  She also amongst other things wants to move out of her parents home, and feels like she might need things like a hobby too! 

Now reading her growing "grown up to-do" list at the start of each chapter, I couldn't help by compare her 25 year old self, with myself and based on the majority of the entries - it's official at 40 years old I'm definitely not a grown up - ah well! 

I loved getting to know her friends, colleagues and family, especially her gran, and James, her gran's new lodger. Only Cleo is rather suspicious of James, well she does have an overactive imagination! 

This was a fun and light hearted story, that I was definitely entertained by.

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

Book Review - A Greek Island Escape by Kate Frost - #HolidayReading Cyprus

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Amazon UK

Title: A Greek Island Escape

Author: Kate Frost

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 29th February 2024

Rating: 4 Stars

Can a Greek escape be the start of something special?

Xanthe Fox has it all: a famous, drop-dead gorgeous boyfriend, a dream career and bright future – until heartbreak sends her life into a tailspin.

So when Xanthe’s Greek godmother unexpectedly leaves her a villa on the sumptuous island of Kefalonia, Xanthe jumps at the chance to put her life in London on hold and escape to the island hideaway to rethink her future.

The break allows Xanthe the time to explore her passions, sift through her feelings and discover more about her estranged Greek family while renovating her godmother’s enchanting Villa Aster.

But not everyone is happy to see her. Unfazed by her hostile neighbours and after making a mortifying mistake with a sexy builder, Xanthe is equally charmed by Kefalonia and a handsome, brooding gardener.

Chasing dreams, taking chances and saying ‘yes’ has the potential to turn Xanthe’s life upside down, but will a summer escape allow her to sparkle once more?

There are plenty of laughs to be had, in this new escapist romance from Kate Frost. 

Xanthe and best friend Jude are both in the West End in musicals, which instantly git my attention in this story, 

Xanthe though is to spend six weeks in Kefalonia sorting out what to do with the villa she has been left, while also curious as to why her family haven't been back to the island since she was 12 years old. 

There are sexy Greek men, an irate mother next door, new friends a whole lot of fun as this story unfolds. 

I absolutely loved Jude, who was hilarious pretty much in any scene he was featured in.

And Xanthe has some tough decisions to make over the course of this story. 

I was totally gripped to see how things would turn out, and felt completely transported to the island of Kefalonia, which is somewhere I would love to visit myself. 

Another gem of a book from this author. 

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

Book Review - Escape to the Tuscan Vineyard by Carrie Walker - #HolidayReading Cyprus

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Title: Escape to the Tuscan Vineyard

Author: Carrie Walker

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Aria

Publication Date: 23rd May 2024

Rating: 4 Stars

Pack your bags and uncork the laughter in this delightful romantic escapade!

After getting her heart broken in her early twenties, Abi Mason vowed to live by a simple (but non-negotiable) rule: no second dates. Who needs a boyfriend, or anything else for that matter, when you have a career to think about?

But life has other plans: with some unexpected time on her hands, Abi finds herself on holiday in Tuscany. Among sun-dappled vineyards and olive groves, Abi meets dashing American Tony, and it seems the universe is conspiring to force her out of her comfort zone...

If Abi can break her own rules, could this unexpected Italian fling lead her to a happiness she never dared to dream of?

What a gloriously summery book this is, set of course in a Tuscan vineyard. 

Abi is given some unexpected time off work and is persuaded to visit her friend Holly out in Tuscany,. 

Just one problem Abi doesn't do relaxing, holidays, and tends to be set in her routines 

So she decides instead to write the ultimate Tuscany to do list and intends to knock it out i a few days, say she has done Italy and go home. 

Well until it becomes rather apparent that it is easier said than done, and that she may just have half an attraction to one of the other guests.

I enjoyed watching Abi slow down to the Tuscan way of life, and immerse herself in a new lifestyle, all the while wondering what will happen after this month off. 

It's a gorgeous summer read that I thoroughly enjoyed. 

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

Book Review - An Almost Perfect Summer by Jill Mansell - #BlogTour

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Title: An Almost Perfect Summer

Author: Jill Mansell

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Headline Review

Publication Date: 16th January 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

Nick is the most intriguing man Nella has met in a while. He's a 9 in the looks department (no one gets a 10), he makes her laugh, and he keeps her company when she ends up in A&E. But they live hundreds of miles apart.

Then Nella loses her job. There's a perfect role on offer at a Cotswolds holiday retreat. The catch is that her boss would be Nick. And that makes Nick the one man she can't risk falling in love with.

While Nella struggles with her feelings, a Hollywood star has found a haven at the retreat. Lizzie's sworn off people - especially men - until her friendly new neighbours entice her out of her shell. Maybe she needs a flirtation - with gorgeous Nick, perhaps? Not with taciturn local Matthew, though, who definitely isn't a member of her fan club. Then an astonishing secret revealed changes everything . . .

The scene is set for a fabulous new novel full of friendship, warmth and romance.

I think this could be summer's equivalent of Love Actually! There are so so many various characters and interlinking storylines, some connecting in ways you would never be able to guess to start with, with everything leaving me with a great big smile on my face. 

This is yet another stonkingly good read from Jill Mansell.  I loved the Cotswolds setting, and getting to know so many truly lovely characters. 

Even though possibly Nella and Lizzie are arguably the main characters of this book, I think it really is more of an ensemble piece.  It's a lovely community, and I loved all the ways everyone connects. 

There is so much more to all of our characters than first meets the eye and getting to know them over the course of the summer months that this book is set in, was a really enriching experience. 

There are many secrets to be uncovered, many very surprising indeed, and I was never sure what would happen next.  

This is what happens when mix so many different people together, including a famous actress, a ghost writer, a fixer / concierge, night club owners, some adorable dogs, and a whole lot more besides.  Just a fabulous example of brilliant character writing and development. 

Almost certainly one of my favourite books from this author (something I think I say every year with each new release - well I just love them all), this was absolutely brilliant and a joy to read. 

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