Book Review - Second Act at Appleton Green by Kate Forster - #HolidayReading Cruise

 The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title: Second Act At Appleton Green

Author: Kate Forster

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Aria

Publication Date: 7th August 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

When the curtains close, a new beginning waits in the wings

After losing her voice before the audition of a lifetime, West End hopeful Lily Baxter flees to the one place that's always felt like home: her grandmother Violet's cosy cottage in the heart of Appleton Green.

Violet is overjoyed to have Lily back under her roof, even if it's not under the happiest of circumstances. As Lily muddles through lost dreams and what-ifs, Violet is quietly nursing her own worries-and hoping this unexpected visit might help them both them heal.

When charming local nurse Nick encourages Lily to join the village's amateur dramatics group, she reluctantly agrees - and soon finds herself swept up in script readings, prop-painting parties, and something that feels a lot like falling in love.

As opening night draws near, Lily must decide where her heart truly lies: back in the bright lights of London, or centre stage in Appleton Green.

I was always going to be hooked on any book that features an aspiring West End actress, especially when it opens with Lily auditioning for one of the biggest musicals around, and it not going smoothly. 

So she decides to retreat and stay at her beloved Gran's for a few months, to see if she can start to feel  herself, and get her mojo back. 

 But she meets Nick and is thrown head first into the world of am-dram, and a production of My Fair Lady. 

All the descriptions of the show, mentions of the various musical numbers were definitely following the real version of this show, which meant I could picture things all the more clearly. 

I loved all the musical references, in addition to the bond Lily has with her gran. 

I couldn't get enough of this wonderful book, it was a joy to read, even if it did almost make me cry at one point, it just shows how much I cared for the characters. 

Another gem of this book from an author I always love reading. 

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

Book Review - The Nowhere Girls by Carmel Harrington - #HolidayReading Dom Rep

 The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title: The Nowhere Girls

Author: Carmel Harrington

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Headline Review

Publication Date: 29th January 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

On a cold afternoon in December 1995, two young girls are found abandoned on a platform at Pearse Station in Dublin.

Thirty years later, investigative journalist Vega is determined to find out what happened to the so-called 'Nowhere Girls'. Where did their mother go? Why did no one come forward to claim them? And where are they now?

Searching for answers takes her on a journey with twists she never could have imagined. And one that could put everything else she knows at risk; including her new relationship, her career, and her life as she knows it.

Compulsive, addictive reading that I totally devoured over the course of an afternoon. 

And from the wow moment early on towards the end of Part 1, I knew i needed to do nothing else other than read this book. 

I was totally invested in Vega's story and that of the Nowhere Girls and never would have dreamt the directions this story took

Suffice to say it will keep you on tender hooks throughout. 

Vega is an amazing character, she is determined to find out the truth, no matter what methods she uses, and over the course of the story we meet some fascinating characters.  Some far more likeable than others. 

This is Carmel Harrington at her absolute finest. She is able to tug at heartstrings, make you emotionally invested in the story, while still trying to flabbergast the reader.  And it totally works. 

I couldn't have devoured this faster, and I thought my time spent between the covers of this book was time incredibly well spent. 

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

Book Review - The Alpine Retreat by Sarah Goodwin

 The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title: The Alpine Retreat

Author: Sarah Goodwin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: 15th January 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

Relax. Recharge. Run for your life.

High in the secluded Swiss Alps, The Sorgente wellness retreat promises luxury, rejuvenation, and exclusivity: a paradise for celebrities seeking anonymity. Chloe – a stressed-out publicity crisis manager whose job just about qualifies her for this kind of refuge – joins a select group of actors, celebrities and social media stars to relax and recharge.

But when they arrive and have their technology confiscated, the group is horrified. To make matters worse, an avalanche traps them in the remote lodge overnight.

When they awake in the morning, one of their own has been attacked, and it’s not long before the bodies begin piling up. With the dangers of mother nature to contend with, the aerial lift down the mountain broken, and a killer on the loose, tensions couldn’t be higher. As paranoia sets in and dark secrets unravel, they realize that nothing is as it seems…

Someone is watching. Someone is hunting. And not everyone will make it out alive.

The Alpine Retreat is the unrelenting and totally gripping new novel from queen of the survival thriller, Sarah Goodwin, perfect for fans of Sarah Pearse, Lucy Clarke and Lucy Foley.

Wow, Sarah Goodwin really is cementing her place as the queen of the claustrophobic thriller. 

This was utterly disturbing, terrifying, and I ended up sitting in the middle of the day to read most of the second half of this, as I was worried if I continued reading after dark, that it would make me jumpy and disturb my sleep! 

There is a wonderfully remote setting, at a Swiss Wellness retreat that is up a mountain, very remote and where the main body of the retreat is a cable car away from where the cars can drop you.  Initially as we are getting the guided tour of the facility, I was getting the feeling this might be the sort of book that was involving brainwashing and new possibly illegal types of treatment. 

But that couldn't have been further from the truth, and although I was unsettled even initially with the setting, in reality it was the setting and it's remoteness is key, and Chloe really doesn't get the relaxed break she was hoping for. 

On the first night there is an avalanche, that leaves a high body count in it's wake. Those that survive are cut off from everything, have no power, limited food supplies, the electric fence that keeps the wild wolves off the property is no longer powered, oh and initially one dead body is discovered that was clearly murdered. 

So Chloe, and a whole bunch of incredibly pampered guests who are not used to this sort of thing and some staff have to somehow try to keep everyone safe, while there is a gun wielding killer on the lose (yeah both the retreat's guns are missing too), and no one knows who they can trust. 

Plus if they go and check on anything in the out buildings or staff lodge they are at risk from the wolves. 

So utterly terrifying and although rather disturbing I was totally there for it and couldn't get enough of this book.  I certainly didn't expect the actual outcome, nor their motives.  And Chloe who is a fixer for disgraced celebrity's in her day job, is in her element helping the staff here, and tying to get as many people out of the situation alive as she can. 

Although Chloe may have a morally dubious job I absolutely loved her as a character, and her general attitude to everything.  

This was just fabulous, utterly brilliant book and I can never get enough of this author. 

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

Book Review - Not Quite Done with Dating by Bella Osborne - #BlogTour

 The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title: Not Quite Done With Dating

Author: Bella Osborne

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Transworld Digital

Publication Date: 29th January 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

One bad date too many calls for desperate measures . . .

Nora is well and truly fed up. After more painfully bad dates than she can count, she’s had enough of leaving it to fate to find her perfect match – but she's not quite ready to give up on her love life just yet.

As a statistician, Nora trusts numbers more than her gut, so when she finds a formula that could help her conquer the dating game, she has to give it a go.

Putting her love theory to the test takes Nora to some questionable places with some even more questionable men, but she won't be deterred – she knows that 'the one' must be out there, somewhere. Even if he's the last person she'd have expected. . .

What a fabulous set of characters this book has. 

We have Nora, who is a statistician, who lives life according to statistics, and is now trying to apply a new statistical theory to her love life.  She is convinced that the rule of 37% is key to it all, and in order to prove it, she is on a journey to revisit some of her exes. 

She wonders if she was too hasty initially in dumping them, and generally I think she may have had some lucky breaks. 

There is Dixie, her best friend who after losing her latest job, is encouraged to use the 37% rule to a list of potential new careers, and thus she turns into an influencer.  She's wonderfully impulsive and ends up on a bit of an adventure that just reminds me how daft social media really can be at time.  While really wanting to see Arnold in person! (Arnold is part of the local wildlife of where she ends up, but I'm not revealing what animal!). 

You've got the wonderful Renee.  Omg I totally loved this woman, she is much older than the rest, but a key part of their rafting and cocktails club.  There is absolutely nothing this woman can't do, and the life she has lived with all of her anecdotes, if they are to be believed makes her amazing. And if not then she has a very vivid imagination.  She is larger than life, full of energy, possibly likes her cocktails extra strength, and is an absolute breath of fresh air in any chapter she appears in. 

And the last key member of their club is Jay, who is an actor.  It is also rather obvious he is trying to impress a woman, as he's doing various things that are clearly outside of his comfort zone.  This includes Bruce, and seeing Jay and Bruce interact especially initially is hilarious. 

I adored this friendship group, and just how close they all are. Seeing how they are all trying to take on new things in their lives, is heartwarming and there are many laughs to be had too. 

This was such an enjoyable book to read, I loved seeing the variety of Nora's exes, there is a trip to an animal rescue that I really loved, and all the characters antics just brough smiles to my faces. 

Another complete and utter hit from Bella Osborne.  I can't wait for her next books! 

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

Please do follow along with the other fabulous bloggers on this blog tour. 

Book Review - Just One Look At You by Jill Mansell - #BlogTour

 The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title: Just One Look At You

Author: Jill Mansell

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Headline Review

Publication Date: 29th January 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

Venice. The perfect setting for romance, and for secrets to be shared.

'Stunning, utterly beautiful . . . Jill at her absolute best. One of the most beautiful love stories I've ever read' Jo Thomas

Fen can't believe her luck. A luxury holiday with her beloved grandmother Disa - what could be more delightful? It doesn't cross her mind that she might fall in love. Or that love can bring complications . . .

Jamie can't help it that women always fall for him, rather than for his kind-hearted friend Leon. Nor that only one of them got the looks (that would be Jamie). But how will he feel if the girl he's drawn to only has eyes for Leon?

Disa has a secret. A few weeks ago, an old letter in a file revealed a shocking truth about her late husband. She's come to Venice to find out more.

There's news on the way that will reverberate through all their lives, as Jill Mansell's joyful, heartbreaking new novel takes readers on a roller coaster ride of emotion - and makes us believe in love again.

Jill Mansell what on earth have you done to me with this latest book.  Starting out like a nice gentle story set on a Venice river cruise that sounded divine, with a big cast of characters to get to know, it deceives you into thinking this is how it will be. 

The next thing I know, my heart is being torn apart, and put together again, and torn apart, I'm on the verge of tears multiple times in the book, and there is ultimately a heartwarming and uplifting finale. 

I just know that when I feel that strong a connection to some of the characters, and believe in their story that much, that the author has done a fantastic job writing the book, which is definitely the case in this instance. 

There is a whole multitude of storylines to get involved in, some involving lost loves, old betrayals, some involving love at first sight, and ever present is Jamie, an ex pro rugby player and now general sports personality, who is so key to everything. 

I loved all of the various characters, but especially Fen, Leon and Jamie who are definitely the main characters of this book.  I was also interested in Hattie's story, and loved Disa too. These are well rounded characters, with development and big story arcs that are a delight to read. 

The sections set in Venice, spoke to my love of armchair travel and reminded me of my own brief visit to the city.  I loved the descriptions of some of the tourist attractions, and felt as though I was there alongside the characters. 

This is a truly special story from this always talented author and it was a brilliant way to kick of my 2026 reading, as it was the first book I have read in this new year.  

Just wonderful. 

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

Book Review - Meet Me At The Seaside Cottage by Jenny Colgan - #HolidayReading Cruise

 The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title: Meet Me At The Seaside Cottages

Author: Jenny Colgan

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Publication Date: 19th June 2025 

Rating: 5 Stars

EVERYONE IS SEARCHING FOR THEIR PERFECT HOUSE.

BUT HOME IS REALLY WHERE THE HEART IS ...

Janey Carter has a lot to be grateful for - a home by the sea in Carso that she renovated herself, a job as an audiologist that she loves, two great kids, and a network of kind and supportive friends. But since her husband left, her confidence has taken a nosedive. And then, out of the blue, her grumpy 30-year-old daughter announces she's moving back home. Janey loves Essie dearly but they only just made it out alive from her adolescence. And this really is going to cramp her soon-to-be-rediscovered dating style.

Yes, Essie Carter is grumpy but she's just lost her job, she can't afford her rent in Edinburgh and her boyfriend isn't ready to commit. There's nothing for it but to admit defeat and hope the sea air soothes her soul. Life seems to be punching this millennial squarely in the face.

Living back under the same roof brings its challenges. But a combination of rescue dogs, pub quizzes and a surprise project doing up the unloved Seagate Cottages next door slowly brings mother and daughter closer together. Meanwhile, the steady stream of people coming past the house with fabric swatches and paint brings revelations for Essie, and offers Janey a surprise second chance at love as well.

It is always great to step inside Jenny Colgan's Scotland, and to be back in Carso was a real treat. 

This time the story centres around Janey and Essie, a mother and daughter who don't always see eye to eye. 

Janey has always lived in Carso, works in the hospital, and is a pillar of the community. Whereas Essie moved away first chance she got and isn't happy that circumstances have led to her moving back home. 

Essie is hard to like initially but once some dogs arrive on the scene, she becomes a far better version of herself, and she starts to find a purpose in Carso too. 

Add in some new friends for both of our leading ladies, and you have a lovely story of friendship and perhaps a bit more. 

It was an absolute delight to delve between these pages and discover this story. 

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

Book Review - Falling Fast by Jenni Fletcher

 The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title: Falling Fast

Author: Jenni Fletcher

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Penguin

Publication Date: 20th March 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

From Jenni Fletcher, the award-winning author of Formula 1 romance LIGHTS OUT, comes the next addictively steamy story, perfect for adult readers of Booktok faves Hannah Grace (Icebreaker), and Lauren Asher (The Fine Print).

Formula 1 superfan Ava Yearwood can’t quite believe her luck when she lands a job at Rask Racing.

Ava loves everything about working for the team . . . everything except their devastatingly attractive driver, Leif Olsen. His cold, brooding attitude should put her off, but frustratingly sparks fly during their every interaction.

Ever the professional, Ava is determined to avoid Leif at all costs. But when she’s assigned as his Media Officer, there’s just no getting away from him – and the flames smouldering between them begin to heat up…

Can Ava and Leif keep their careers on track, or will their insane chemistry steer them both off-course?

I am absolutely loving Jenni Fletcher's world of Formula 1 and it was a thrill to be back in it, following the fortunes of Rask Racing this time and their drivers. 

And even better that the main character Ava has managed to snag a job in communications for Rask Racing, it's not quite her dream job which would be with the team that ignited her F1 love affair, but it's a great starting point for her career. 

So not only do we get plenty of on track action with Leif who is our main driver, and his team mate Corey, but I got to discover what life is like behind the scenes of an F1 team. 

I believe the author did all the research so I wouldn't have to, as I'm a big F1 fan, so found every aspect of Ava's job, totally fascinating. They are a team that need's to turn it's season around when she joins them, and with a promised upgrades package, there is still half a season or so to try to save the team.

Ava had long admired Leif as a driver, up until the first time she meets him, where he doesn't seem to want to even be polite to her.  And things don't improve initially when she joins Rask, as she needs him to agree to social media and other such useful things, which he is less keen on. 

It does soon become apparent there is chemistry between them, but Ava is rather reluctant, and is adamant that she never wants a relationship.  When you discover what is at the root of her trust issues, your heart like mine, will break for her. 

Ava is also Mia from Lights Out best friend, so we get to catch up with Mia and Gio too, which as someone that has read the first book, I was delighted with. 

And to say this book is rather addictive is an understatement. If it wasn't for my subconscious I would have certainly missed my stop on the tube while reading this, as I was oblivious to most of my journey and had no idea where I was, when I suddenly looked up, remembering I was on public transport! 

I was definitely hooked on the action on and off the chart, and this is a book that has made this F1 fan very happy, and given me a much needed hit of the sport in the off season! 

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

Book Review - Give Him To Me by Dorothy Koomson

 The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title: Give Him To Me

Author: Dorothy Koomson

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Headline Review

Publication Date: 13th February 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

** The new heart-stopping emotional thriller from the Queen of the Big Reveal and author of Beach Hut 512 **

Robyn 'Avril' Managa was twelve when she witnessed her controlling and abusive father murder her mother. Put into care while her well-connected father was given a new identity in Witness Protection, Robyn has lived with the trauma of that day ever since.

Now in her twenties, Robyn has decided she wants a family reunion - so is killing people connected to her father's case, leaving on their bodies the note: GIVE HIM TO ME.

Dr Kez Lanyon is called onto the case. But can Kez get into Robyn's mind before she kills again? Or is she about to become her latest victim?

Profiler and therapist Kez Lanyon returns in a gripping new stand-alone novel from Sunday Times bestselling author Dorothy Koomson.

Wow this totally blew my mind.  What a conclusion! What a great bunch of twists and turns. 

Even when I wasn't reading this, it was playing on my mind. I needed to know everything about Robin and wondered whether she would be stopped or not.  She has had a horrific childhood, been let down by every form of authority and I could totally understand where she was coming from. 

Meanwhile Dr Kez took me a bit longer to feel comfortable reading, possibly because I haven't read the previous book that featured her, plus not really being sure exactly what the organisation she is working for does.  

But I do believe Dr Kez is at least one of the good people, and she seems to be an excellent profiler, and a more than able agent (even if she is adamant she isn't an agent).   I loved the way she was able to empathise so much with people that she could pretty much predict what they were likely to do and how they might react in any situation. 

There is a massive cast of characters that all play a part in this, and you are never quite sure who you can trust.  It is clear there are things being kept secret from the reader, and the revelations when they come, some of them are mind blowing. 

This book is just so so good, I was completely hooked and couldn't get enough of it.  I've always been a fan of this author, and this has just reminded me why! 

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

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

 The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title: Fixing A Broken Heart at the Highland Repair Shop

Author: Kiley Dunbar

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 24th July 2025

Rating: 4 Stars

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

Never take broken for an answer...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title: The Summer Party

Author: Kate Gray

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Headline

Publication Date: 4th July 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

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

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

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

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

Wow this was one wonderful thriller. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title: The Cosy Croissant Café

Author: Jane Linfoot

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 24th April 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title: The Cafe on the Coast

Author: Christie Barlow

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 31st December 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

Can a cake change your life?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title: She Made Me Do It

Author: Anna-Lou Weatherley

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication Date: 12th January 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

I trusted her. I shouldn’t have…

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

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

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

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

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

Simply unputdownable. 

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

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

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

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

Just fabulous and oh so good too! 

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