Book Review - Marry Me in Seahaven Bay by Nicola May

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Title: Marry Me in Seahaven Bay

Author: Nicola May

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Storm Publishing

Publication Date: 19th June 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

The emotional and uplifting new novel from the author of the million-copy bestselling Cockleberry Bay series.

Life at the Seahaven Bay Retreat is flourishing, but Rita Jory’s second chance at happiness is about to face its biggest test yet. When Jago’s glamorous French ex-wife appears on the doorstep with a five-year-old daughter in tow, their blossoming relationship hangs by a thread.

Between juggling retreat guests seeking healing, her daughter Sennen’s desperate need for a last-minute wedding venue, and dealing with Elodie's impossible demands, Rita’s already stretched to breaking point.

Then some very unexpected news forces her to reconsider everything she thought she wanted. But can she trust Jago with her secret, and embrace the new life ahead?

Rita must decide whether to protect her heart or fight for her future.

A joyful, tender and laugh-out-loud tale of family, forgiveness and finding the courage to say yes to life’s beautiful surprises. Perfect for fans of Jill Mansell, Jojo Moyes and Amanda Prowse.

What a brilliant second book in this Seahaven Bay series. 

But I can't believe that the author was determined to start by making Rita and Jory rather unstable, just because books need conflict.  It seems rather cruelty to them, especially with everything Rita has been through. 

But me thinking these characters are real aside, I loved seeing how the retreats are now going and what improvements had been to the area since our last visit.  

And it was wonderful to catch up with Hildy, Zenya, Teo, Sennen and Thom too, plus Rita's best friend Kelly as well. 

There's a blast from Jago's past involved, as well as some sabotage present in this book too.. 

Add in some very surprising news for Rita, and a new direction for Seahaven Bay Retreat to possibly go in, and you have this fabulous mix for this highly engaging book. 

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

Book Review - Never To Be Found by Jo Spain

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Title: Never To Be Found

Author: Jo Spain

Format reviewed: Ebook 

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Zaffre

Publication Date: 2nd July 2026 

Rating: 5 Stars

She helped him disappear.

She'll wish she hadn't . . .

In Japan, one hundred thousand people voluntarily disappear every year, aided by those who help them start over. They call them Johatsu - the evaporated.

I brought the idea to England. No judgement, no questions. Just new identities, packed bags, and discreet escape plans from abusive partners, debt, or simply lives that no longer fit.

I thought I was doing something good - honourable, even. Until now.

I know now that not everyone is fleeing hardship. I've helped someone who committed a crime to flee the police. I've disappeared a murderer.

And unless I find him, I don't know what he'll do next . . .

Right from the prologue when the Japanese concept of Johatsu, the evaporated, is explained , I was intrigued and hooked. Especially on discovering the main character, Veronica is someone who helps others disappear from their lives. 

But what is soon apparent is that if you need to find someone that has used your disappearing services, it is rather hard to track them down. Especially if you are informed that you have aided a double murderer to escape from the police. 

Which is exactly the situation Veronica finds herself in, which leads to a really tense read, as things start to unravel. 

It's also interesting to discover just why Veronica is in the line of work that she does, and her personal connection to it.  In the backstory chapters, we get to see and know a part of Japanese life that tends to stay rather under the radar, but is fascinating. 

There are some epic twists in this that I am kicking myself for not seeing coming, and I couldn't read this fast enough. 

Easily one of my favourite books from Jo Spain, it had me guessing, second guessing and addicted. 

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

Book Review - One Minute Away by Mark Watson

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Amazon UK

Title: One Minute Away

Author: Mark Watson

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: 17th July 2025

Rating: 4 Stars

That's three sashimi rolls. Two vegetable dumplings. One life-changing encounter. Your delivery is on its way …

For delivery rider Damir, time is money.

He races through cycle lanes next to Uber drivers and grocery vans, delivering your every desire. He arrives with your sushi rolls and pizzas and disappears into the night – Ping! Onto the next drop.

He is invisible: one player in the boardgame of the city.

But one summer’s evening, in a postcode that could be another universe, Damir arrives on Decca’s doorstep and there’s an immediate connection between them.

The man on the bike crosses the divide – suddenly fully seen. And a throwaway delivery sparks a chain of events that will change all their lives, forever.

This has really opened my eyes as to the realities that food delivery drivers are exposed to.  It's a really hard job, especially if you are only on a bicycle (something I'll personally never be happy to see on a longer pick up of mine, as less chance of food being warm still). 

It's interesting to see how Damir, is always on the clock, makes every second count, and is just trying to do his best, alongside his best friend Goran.  Damir has inspired thoughts about the process of being a delivery driver, and just how they are perceived in society. 

After two very different visits to the same property his life changes, as he meets Decca.  They are worlds apart, but clearly attracted to each other. 

This is a fascinating story, about a profession that I've not really seen in a book before.  It highlights how hard it is to work and be present in a world where too many treat you like you are invisible. 

This is the first book I have read from comedian Mark Watson, and I was highly impressed by it. 

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

Book Review - The Midwife by the Sea by Jo Bartlett

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Amazon UK

Title: The Midwife By The Sea

Author: Jo Bartlett

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 4th August 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

When midwife Hope Masterson arrives in Cornwall to start her dream job by the sea, she’s ready for a fresh start and a chance to make a real difference to the lives of the women and babies she cares for.

Working between St Piran’s hospital and the community midwifery unit of Port Agnes, Hope quickly finds herself drawn into the lives of her patients and colleagues. From dramatic deliveries and joyous newborns to heartbreaking struggles with infertility, she is on hand to share in all the hopes, worries and incredible love that motherhood can bring.

But Hope is carrying a secret that could change everything – and she faces an impossible dilemma.

Should she reveal the truth and shatter the lives of those around her, or protect the fragile happiness of the family she’s only just found?

As friendships deepen, romance blooms and emotions run high, Hope must decide whether some secrets are better left untold… and what it truly means to belong.

A gorgeously heartfelt, uplifting and unputdownable story of love, family and the many different paths to motherhood, by Top Ten bestselling author Jo Bartlett.

It is becoming very apparent to me that Jo Bartlett and midwives go hand in hand, as this is now the start of her second series featuring them.  In fact this one is very much related and interlinked with both of the author's previous two series set in the Three Ports area of Cornwall. 

So we are treated to a whole host of familiar characters, if you are a regular reader of the author, including Gwen who I'm always happy to see pop up, while it can easily be read as a standalone. 

I loved getting to know our new main character Hope, who is working in the settings for both previous series, the community midwife unit and St Piran's hospital.  I loved being back at the community midwife unit, and this really was a book that felt instantly familiar to me. 

It was a truly enjoyable story, that I loved every moment of and couldn't read quick enough.  It was emotional in places, and Hope has some incredibly tricky decisions to make, and I really admired how much she cared for other people and not just for herself. 

I already can't wait to read more from these characters. 

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

Book Review - Murder Off The Page by Maggie Allswell

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Title: Murder Off The Page

Author: Maggie Allswell

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication Date: 1st July 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

When the local fish and chip shop owner is found dead next to the fryer, is it a case of wrong plaice, wrong time or is a killer on the loose in the village?

Judy is reading late one night when a knock at the door disturbs her. Local teenager Megan has discovered her boss Colin, owner of local fish and chip shop The Codfather, lying dead next to the fryer. Found with the book club pick of the month at his side, surely Judy and her crime-loving book group can help?

The local police haven’t a clue, but as Judy gathers her bookish friends, they soon uncover more suspects than they bargained for. Was it John from rival fish and chip shop Salty Towers, the estranged brother who stands to inherit the family business? Or is there something fishy about Dazza, the new handyman who carries an empty toolbox? But when they both appear to have solid alibis, the book club are worried there are more red herrings in this case than they had counted on.

When another body is found, Judy realises that time is running out to crack the case before the killer strikes again. Can Judy and her book club follow in the footsteps of their fictional detective heroes to uncover the murderer before someone else is found sleeping with the fishes?

An absolutely hilarious and unputdownable new cozy mystery series, perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Robert Thorogood and Faith Martin.

This is set just after the first book finishes (I mean the next day), so I'm very happy I chose to binge read both books together. Means I now have a far better grip on the characters, and they should stay in my head for next books a lot more.  However does mean I have no idea if this works as a standalone as I was too gripped in this heatwave to think! 

What a great mystery this was, at times I was giggling, and others was scratching my head as to what the answer was, and just who the murderer is. 

The serial killer's book club are back on the case, and this time they are in part trying to prove that Judy is innocent, as well as trying to work out who killed The Codfather proprietor Colin. 

We are introduced to all manner of new characters, in addition to what is a rather complex case. This includes the local policeman who seems rather close to useless, but is rather suggestible thankfully. 

Jack is like an over excited puppy for most of the book, he fancies Talisha like mad, is very happy to be going undercover, and then doesn't seem to know when he should be quiet. 

The dynamics between the various club members are highly amusing and I have a big soft spot for all them. 

This is an example of an author coming into her stride properly in her new genre, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. 

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

Book Review - Escape to the Turquoise Seas by Carrie Walker

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Amazon UK

Title: Escape to the Turquoise Seas

Author: Carrie Walker

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Aria

Publication Date: 16th July 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

Kat Brennan has always been the work-hard, play-harder type, navigating single life in London and the chaos of her job at Northstar PR. So when Excalibur Cruises invite her aboard to pitch for their account, she jumps at the chance to prove to her boss she's indispensable... and to finally relax a little.

But the last person she wants to get stuck on a boat with is industry hotshot Leo Kendrick, the CEO of rival agency Amplify – and Kat's nemesis. When Leo bagged a coveted marketing internship 15 years ago, Kat vowed never to let him win anything again. She is not about to break that promise, even if Leo has become a distractingly attractive opponent.

As the Esmerelda sails the seas, from the Azores to Lisbon via Madeira, the two agencies must battle it out to present the best pitch. But in such close quarters, the sea might not be the only thing rocking the boat…

I think this could be my favourite Carrie Walker novel so far, given how much I love cruising. 

And the Esmerelda is one rather impressive cruise ship, I adored resident drag cabaret star Barbie Cue who has a heart of gold.  Then there is Dahlia the ents manager, who is determined to get Kat and Leo taking part in  as much stuff as possible. 

After all how can they hope to pitch for Excalibur Cruise's PR account, if they haven't experienced everything. 

These are rivals with history between them and the rivalry is fierce. 

I loved the descriptions of the various ports of call on this cruise, especially of the Azores.  And some of the excursions sounded fabulous too. 

I really enjoyed my fortnight aboard the Esmerelda as well as all the drama and pitch ideas it brings with it. 

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

Book Review - The Talk of the Party by Foluso Agbaje

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Title: The Talk of the Party

Author: Foluso Agbaje

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 21st May 2026

Rating: 3 Stars

In a family built on lies, what happens when the truth comes out?

‘A glamorous, dramatic portrait of the lives, desires, and tensions of Nigeria’s upper class.' Oyinkan Braithwaite

Bukola Obanile’s 60th birthday party is the hottest ticket in town. But champagne isn’t all that is being served…

The Obaniles' picture-perfect life is the envy of all Lagos society, and everyone wants a piece. So, when renowned matriarch Bukola’s birthday approaches, there are no expenses spared. Five hundred guests are invited, and her four children are all in attendance. Everything will be perfect, just as planned.

Except living the dream comes at a price and, as the party draws closer, each of the Obanile children find themselves embroiled in scandals that could shatter the flawless reputation their mother has carefully built.

As the music builds and chandeliers glitter, this one perfect night could be all it takes to destroy a family built on deception…

This was really tough to read, and I think it's because I read it on the kindle.  Had I had a paperback version where I could very easily constantly refer to the character list and the incredibly useful and extensive list of Nigerian vocabulary and phrases at the start, so I could translate what I was reading, it would have been a bit easier to read. 

As there are a really large number of characters, and they rightly are all speaking their local dialect which I believe is authentic, but as someone unfamiliar with it, it just take a lot longer to read. 

Each chapter focuses on a different character, from various members of Bukola Obanile's family, to their family driver and Fran the event planner. Many of them are hiding things from each other, but the reader is privy to some things right up front. 

This is a fascinating look at life in Lagos, although at times the book switched locations to England so quickly, and without warning that I was often confused. 

And all of this background is of course incredibly needed and I kept reading in the hopes that the payoff would be worth it.  Well for me the story became unputdownable around the 70% mark, and I was invested in what would happen. 

But for me, as someone that loves books set in exotic locations, stories that feature rich people, and thrillers, well it just fell a bit flat all around overall.   That being said I can't help but feel that had I been able to spare the time to read this in slightly longer stints, like by a pool on holiday, then I would have felt differently, so I think the issues I had were mine, and not the book. 

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

Book Review - The Ex-Wives Murder Club by Mette Ivie Harrison

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Title: The Ex-Wives Murder Club

Author: Mette Ivie Harrison

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Severn House

Publication Date: 31st May 2026

Rating: 3 Stars

Ever want to kill your partner? Join the club! Three ex-wives band together to murder their evil husband and wind up in the business of killing the worst of humanity. A darkly humorous suspense, with a heartwarming LGBTQ+ romance, perfect for fans of Elle Cosimano, Joanna Wallace, and Katy Brent.

What do you do when you realize you married a horrible man?

Kill him of course!

For Meg (wife #1), Jenny (#2), and Amelia (#3), the term ‘a woman scorned’ isn’t strong enough. They want more than revenge for the years of their life they wasted with their pitiful excuse for a husband. They want him dead.

As they carry out their lethal plan, they soon realize they’re thinking too small. What about all the other men (and women) who cause immeasurable suffering and get away with it?

Thus ‘the business’ is born. A dazzling new female-owned venture that will change the course of their lives—and shorten many others! And, for Meg and Jenny, it could allow them to experience a love they never thought possible . . .

A laugh out loud, feminist revenge story with horror elements. Readers will be clamoring for more from Mette Ivie Harrison.

If you love a book with disjointed timelines, and chapters that don't necessarily connect together in a fluid narrative manner then you will totally adore this. 

Now I enjoyed it, but I was finding each chapter felt more like a mini short story or anecdote in the lives of Meg, Jenny, Amelia and their "business".  This is a business that involves death to others, and being paid a fortune for it. 

We learn how and why they fall into this line of work, all about so many despicable human beings, that their deaths are not a tragedy at all. 

They are a group of smart vengeful women, and this is a story packed full with girl power. If you can get past the fact that one min you are two years into the business, and then the next its 13 years, and then 6 years or so, which is not my preferred method of story telling, then it really is a fun book. 

I had absolutely no idea how it would end, and at times I kind of wished I was Meg, or the others, as they are wonderful.  There are romantic elements to this in addition to revenge, and  some humour too. 

This was the first book I've read by this author and I was definitely drawn in by the fabulously bright pink cover. 

This was enjoyable, and I was certainly invested in the outcome and seeing just how everything would be resolved. 

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