Book Review - Booked For Summer by Kathryn Freeman - #HolidayReading

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Title: Booked For Summer

Author: Kathryn Freeman

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 30th April 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

A love story she didn't see coming…

When book lover Jade Taylor applies to manage the Little Bay Book Shack on Nantucket Island over the summer, the last thing she needs is the distraction of billionaire resort owner, Liam Haven.

But things take an unexpected turn when Liam becomes Jade’s boss – a man who reads nothing but contracts for pleasure…

In a bid to save the bookshop from being absorbed into the Haven resort, Jade is determined to teach Liam that there’s more to life than acquiring real estate. And if she can make him realise happily ever afters do exist, might she be able to save the island’s bookshop in the process?

The chemistry between Jade and Liam is off the charts. It is so sizzling and this is one incredibly spicy (to use the current word for it) book! 

The sex scenes are incredibly hot, as is a fair amount of the dialogue, which are both things that this author always excels at. 

And the Nantucket bookshop setting is sublime. I love the sound of the area, and could really picture it.

I loved seeing the character development over the course of this novel and especially seeing Jade grow in confidence. 

And for Liam to start realising a lot about himself too.  I loved Liam's grandma too, as well as a lot of the locals in the area. 

I devoured this book and I needed a cold shower after I had finished it. It's everything I hoped it would be and more. Another winner for me from Kathryn Freeman. 

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

Book Review - A Neighbour's Guide to Murder by Louise Candlish

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Amazon UK

Title: A Neighbour's Guide to Murder

Author: Louise Candlish

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ

Publication Date: 17th July 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

Her secrets will be the death of you.

It’s rare for a room in beautiful, iconic Columbia Mansions to be up for grabs and Gwen is thrilled when its new occupant Pixie turns out to be the most delightful neighbour she could have wished for. Before long the two women have formed an unlikely age-gap friendship and Gwen is making herself useful to Pixie in all kinds of ways.

But when a crime comes to light Gwen’s protective instincts go into overdrive, igniting an appetite for revenge that none of the residents are prepared for.

The last thing they need in Columbia Mansions is a scandal.

The last thing they want is a murder.

Wow I'm reeling from this, I did not see a large amount of it coming, nor was I sure how to predict it for the most part. I was completely and utterly hooked and by the last quarter was totally unable to put the book down. 

I needed to see how everything would turn out, and in fact just what the truth was. 

The book is told in the form of a diary / journal from Gwen's point of view. She is the only head we get to go inside, and she has a wonderful turn of phrase and way of explaining things. 

It starts a bit confused, as we get mentions of many characters, but as the people start to develop and we get a gist of the first key pieces of information, it becomes more and more intriguing. 

We get to meet her next door neighbour Alec and his new lodger Pixie.  And Pixie and Gwen strike up a fast friendship and it's that friendship that is central to everything that occurs. 

I've noticed that Louise Candlish has found a niche in writing stories that seem to have properties and possibly crimes involving properties at their heart, and this is no exception.  It shed's light on an unsavoury renting practice, that I feel almost certainly catches young women especially out.   It's well researched and it's clear the topic has been given a big audience and will get you thinking. 

All in all a wonderful drama that I wasn't sure who to believe, and it certainly keeps you guessing.  Just fabulous. 

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

Book Review - The Private Jet by Sarah Goodwin - #HolidayReading Tenerife

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Amazon UK

Title: The Private Jet

Author: Sarah Goodwin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: 13th February 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

THE HIGHER YOU FLY…

In the dazzling lights of Thailand, socialite Lila Wilde is set for the night of her life. When her fame-hungry DJ boyfriend proposes at an exclusive nightclub, Lila makes a spur-of-the-moment decision: she invites a mix of celebrities, influencers, and near-strangers to keep the party going back at her luxurious villa — just a short flight over the lush Thai jungle. Champagne flows, music pulses, and the vibe on her private jet is nothing short of euphoric.

THE HARDER YOU FALL.

But when disaster strikes mid-flight, the dream turns into a nightmare and the group are stranded in an unforgiving jungle, far from the world of luxury they know. What begins as a desperate fight for survival quickly descends into something darker. Secrets are exposed and power dynamics shift, as the stranded passengers begin to realize the greatest threat might not be the jungle — but each other.

Some parties are unforgettable…this one might be deadly.

Totally unputdownable. 

Devoured this in a few short hours

Fast paced and impossible not to be totally addicted to. 

Sarah Goodwin has once again written a totally wonderful book, that got under my skin instantly. 

I had absolutely no idea what to expect from this, and the more I read, the more I needed to continue reading. It was like a drug, I just needed more. 

It's about when a hedonistic night out on the Bangla Road in Phuket (somewhere I have actually visited), goes very wrong when they want to take the party elsewhere. 

What follows is a tale of survival, and of making tough decisions in impossible situations.  The ways the characters change over the course of this is scary, but I would imagine realistic. 

I have no idea what I would do if I crashed in the Thai jungle, with a bunch of strangers, other than panic, so the fact that Lila seemed  more determined than that was good for me to read. 

I couldn't' get enough of this story, and and just in awe at this author's writing. 

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

Book Review - Girls Just Want To Have Sun by Jo Lyons

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Amazon UK

Title: Girls Just Want To Have Sun

Author: Jo Lyons

Format reviewed: Ebook 

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 14th June 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

She never expected to find herself in Benidorm. But when life gives you lemons, add a shot of tequila...

Connie’s singing career isn’t exactly going to plan. On a final warning from her agent and failing every big audition, she’s desperate for a fresh start. So when she lands a last-minute gig in Benidorm (of all places) she jumps at the chance – despite knowing she’s completely out of her depth.

Thrown into the wild world of the Dollz, a cocktail-fuelled girl group who love glitter as much as they love drama, Connie struggles to fit in. Then there’s Matteo – the brooding, annoyingly attractive local who seems to be everywhere she turns, throwing her further off course.

As she stumbles through a week of sun, surprises and absolute chaos, Connie has to decide: is this rock bottom, or can she find her own way to shine?

A hilarious, feel-good novel about finding your confidence, chasing your dreams, and embracing the unexpected. The perfect beach read for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Lindsey Kelk and Olivia Spring.

Well I think I have found a new favourite author! This was completely and utterly hilarious and is the sort of book that should be read on everyone's summer holidays. 

It's just a whole lot of fun, and I was laughing out loud within the first 10% which doesn't happen that often.  There is something about this author's way with words and how she describes the utterly bonkers situations that Connie and Matteo continually find themselves in that is just so so funny. 

And we get a great feel for the main strip in Benidorm, I can't say I will definitely add it to my holiday plans in the next couple of years, as I don't think I drink enough to get the full benefit, but the amount of tribute acts about, makes me thing I'd enjoy some of the entertainment on the strip! 

Connie and the Dollz are like chalk and cheese, and seeing how their relationships change over the course of the week is really heartening to see.  They start with the Dollz treating Connie as their skivvy, and then forgetting she exists and leaving places without her.  But as dramas ensue on the strip that never sleeps, and with a high energy week ahead of them, partying hard and allegedly working, things do improve. 

Although the amount of farcical drama in this is brilliant. 

In fact this would make a fabulous rom-com film for the big screen, I would love to see the Dollz actually do their amazing routings, and seeing them strut around in some outrageous costumes. 

I couldn't get enough of this book and I was over the moon to discover this is just the first book of a trilogy.  I literally can't wait to read the others. 

This is 100% my sort of book, it is so entertaining and is brilliant light hearted escapism.  Simply superb! 

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

Book Review - The House on Waterfall Hill by Holly Martin

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Amazon UK

Title: The House on Waterfall Hill

Author: Holly Martin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 6th June 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

Escape to the golden sands and sparkling waves of Lovegrove Bay. This delicious romance from the multi-million bestselling author will have you falling head-over heels this summer. Love is in the air and maybe a new beginning...

For Flick Hunter the beautiful seaside town of Lovegrove Bay has always had a special place in her heart. Her grandparents’ quirky house on Waterfall Hill with its giant, wonky sycamore tree and rustic art studios has been the setting for every magical summer since Flick can remember. So when her grandmother tasks her with turning around the fortunes of Waterfall House Flick jumps at the chance. But with six months to make a profit before her grandmother is forced to sell, the clock is ticking…

Luckily resident artist and Flick’s new and incredibly handsome flatmate, Luke Donnelly, is keen to help. From the moment they meet Flick feels a connection she’s never felt before. And Luke’s desire to keep the art studios alive ignites a passion between them that Flick’s heart didn’t see coming. There’s just one problem: Luke is about to move to the other end of the country for reasons he’s keeping close to his chest.

Determined to avoid heartbreak and with her family’s legacy to save, Flick tries to keep things professional. But love has a funny way of conquering all, even when the odds are stacked against it…

Treat yourself to this gorgeous, feel-good, scorcher of a love story, perfect for fans of Veronica Henry, Sue Moorcroft and Jill Mansell.

I loved every single thing about this book. 

Do I really need to say more? I mean it's a Holly Martin book, it has a wonderful grand romantic gesture that she is so fabulous at writing, there is great humour, great sex, and two wonderful main characters. 

And it has a brilliant new setting, and I absolutely loved reasoning behind why the art studios that Flick has been asked to try to save, were set up in the first place. 

Luke is a bit nerdy, but there is something always rather attractive about a nerd, especially if they have similar interested to you, and the tongue tied nature he has around Flick, along with their memorable first meeting, and various awkward early conversations are just so sweet and adorable and made me love both characters all the more for it. 

I really enjoyed the various crafts that were being displayed in the studio and watching Luke run a workshop made me fall for him even more. 

This is an all around lovely easy read, that is Holly Martin at her finest. 

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

Book Review - Dancing in the Moonlight by Lynne Shelby - #HolidayReading Tenerife

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Amazon UK

Title: Dancing in the Moonlight

Author: Lynne Shelby

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self published

Publication Date: 11th March 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

When dancer Nell Avery auditions for Speakeasy, a new West End musical, she is shocked to discover that the choreographer is Finn Harris, a man she never expected to see again.

Ten years ago, Nell and Finn had a casual, no-strings fling. He left London to work abroad. Nell found herself pregnant.

Having made the decision to raise her child alone, Nell didn’t tell Finn that he was the father, a secret easy for her to keep while he was hundreds of miles away. But now Finn is back – and he offers Nell a role in Speakeasy’s cast.

Nell knows if she takes the job she risks Finn finding out her secret, with unimaginable consequences for the life she has made for herself and her daughter, Savannah. But Speakeasy could be Nell’s only chance of dancing on a West End stage – the dream she’s had ever since she first put on a pair of tap shoes. How can she give up her dream?

Nell accepts the role, telling herself that all she has to do is keep away from Finn . . .

I devoured this over the course of a morning while on holiday. As a massive musical theatre fan, I suspected this might be right up my street, and I was definitely correct. 

I couldn't get enough of Nell and Finn's story.  i was hooked from the first audition, and cheering Nell on especially throughout. 

I adored seeing how all the stages of a new musical come together, and just how much hard work it really is, and how bitchy some dancers can be. 

I got a real feel for Speakeasy the west end show at the heart of this book, and in my mind it almost certainly had 42nd Street vibes. 

There is a romance, which I enjoyed but honestly my real love and my heart with this book was on all the theatre bits, with anything else completely secondary in my mind! 

Absolutely adored this from start to finish. 

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

Book Review - Wish You Were Here by Alex Brown

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Amazon UK

Title: Wish You Were Here

Author: Alex Brown

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 10th April 2025

Rating: 4 Stars

Deedee Merriman loves her job running a travel agency but with turnover down and a big birthday fast approaching she’s thinking about the next chapter of her life and the changes she wants to make.

Determined to stay vibrant and keep a youthful outlook on life she invites her friends, Gina and Rosie to celebrate with her in New York, one of her favourite places and where she feels closest to her late husband, Joe.

On arrival, there’s a surprise, secret gift in store for Deedee of a small, ramshackle beach house in the beautiful Hamptons where Joe spent his childhood. But the house isn’t the only secret and discovering the truth will change everything….

Wish You Were Here is an emotional, romantic story about female friendship and finding love after loss in the city that never sleeps and the sand dunes with stunning sunsets of the Hamptons.

What a truly lovely book this was. 

I really enjoyed catching back up with Deedee, Gina and Rosie, as they come together to celebrate Deedee's 70th birthday in New York. 

Little do they know their trip is going to distracted by surprises beyond the grave by Joe who must have been the world's best man. From memories of him, and just what he had planned for Deedee, it's clear he was a gentleman, a romantic and all around good guy. 

It's good to see how the friends are all dealing with various things in their own lives, and just how much Deedee develops and changes over the course of this trip to New York.  It was great to see her zest for life getting stronger the whole time. 

This was such an enjoyable story, and I loved Rosie's enthusiasm for hoping to see all the places made famous by movies.  And I loved the descriptions of McDreamy too! 

This is a gorgeous story, and a joy to have read. 

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

Book Review - The Lighthouse Daughters of Puffin Island by Christie Barlow - #HolidayReading Tenerife

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Amazon UK

Title: The Lighthouse Daughters of Puffin Island

Author: Christie Barlow

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 28th February 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

A blast from her past…

Having narrowly avoided losing everything to her romance scammer ex, artist Delilah Waters is done with men and focused entirely on her quest to buy Puffin Island’s magical lighthouse. It’s a crucial piece of her own family’s history and the perfect space to turn into her home. But then Max Harrington walks through her door.

…puts her future in question.

Her feelings for her former art teacher might have been forbidden at the time, but now he’s back, and single, and there’s no denying that the attraction is mutual! But when something seems too good to be true, it normally is, and Dilly soon makes a shocking discovery that changes everything for her and Max. Now she’ll have to call upon the same fortitude as her beloved lighthouse if she’s to weather the storm headed her way…

OMG Christie Barlow has done it again. and written a totally unputdownable, completely devourable book, that I couldn't' get enough of. 

I am absolutely adoring this new Puffin Island series so far, catching up with recurring characters and meeting new ones. 

And this is a book that opens with high drama that had me instantly intrigued and drawn in, and that ends with me almost in tears at such a gorgeous ending. 

In between we have even more fabulousness, as Dilly and Max start to get to know each other. 

This is a very moving and poignant story in places, while being heartwarming and addictive in others.  I just can't get enough of any of these characters.  Just brilliant. 

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

Book Review - The Paris Bookshop For The Broken-Hearted by Rebecca Raisin

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Amazon UK

Title: The Paris Bookshop For The Broken-Hearted

Author: Rebecca Raisin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher:  Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 3rd February 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

A heartwarming bookish romance from the bestselling author of Summer at the Santorini Bookshop, Rebecca Raisin!

Perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan, Eliza J. Scott and Lucy Score!

Coco is having a hell of a month. She’s lost her boyfriend and her business, been forced to uproot her daughter to move back in with her parents in Paris, and now an infuriatingly handsome stranger is yelling at her for acting like a tourist… Right underneath the Eiffel Tower.

Storming away from him – and swearing off men for life – she decides she’s going to take the first job that comes her way.

Then, as if fate hears her, later that day she stumbles into a little bookshop – but not any old bookshop. This one comes complete with a café, cocktail bar, reading room and secret tunnel of books, and just a little hint of magic in the air. So when Coco’s offered a job selling books there, it feels like the perfect fit.

There’s only one problem… propping up the bar in the bookshop is none other than the grumpy, gorgeous stranger she’d met earlier that day…

I am loving Rebecca Raisin's Paris set books and this was no exception. 

And its a must for book lovers, as what is better than a bookshop that appears to possibly mend broken hearts.  Or that broken hearted and lonely people seem to gravitate towards without even realising. 

Coco has moved back to Paris with teen daughter Eloise, after she is caught up in a scandal and needs to regroup.  However Eloise is not so happy about it, and her storyline is one that many teens would relate to, in addition to anyone that remembers that age of their own lives. 

Coco stumbles across this bookshop and is offered a job there, so long as she can control the rather unruly bookclub - which I'm fairly sure have featured in one of the authors books before (at least they seemed so familiar to me that I have to believe that or I'm rather confused). 

Coco also keeps running into Henri, who I really took too. He's gorgeous, bookish and some of the dialogue between them is hilarious, although after their first few meetings she is less sure about him. 

I loved everything about this book, and it really made my heart sing as I read it.  Another Parisian masterpiece from this talented author. 

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

Book Review - Over The Sea To Skye by Sue Moorcroft - #HolidayReading Tenerife

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Amazon UK

Title: Over The Sea To Skye

Author: Sue Moorcroft

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: 5th June 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

One summer on a beautiful island could change everything…

Valentina Taylor's life has been upended. With her marriage over, and unsure of what her future holds, she heads to the Isle of Skye for the summer with her young son, Barnaby.

But the journey there sets her on a new path, when she meets Xander Courage on the train – a charming American, running from problems of his own. After sparks fly, they go their separate ways. But on this small island, they’re never far from one another…

Skye offers Valentina the refuge she needs as she whiles away the long summer days at her beachside cottage, enjoying visits from her sisters, Thea and Ezzie. But when bad news from home throws her Scottish idyll into turmoil, Valentina finds herself pulled away from the place – and people – that she loves.

Valentina knows she must confront her heart’s desires – but can she let go of the past and embrace the future she deserves?

Lose yourself in a heartfelt story of second chances, love, and self-discovery, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Isle of Skye. Perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan and Karen Swan.

How good was it to be back on the Isle of Skye and with the Wynter sisters again. 

I felt right at home in this book very quickly, and it was wonderful getting to know Valentina and her son Barnaby a whole lot better. 

While catching up with everyone from the previous two books. 

And Valentina who is just on Skye for the the summer, is hoping for a nice peaceful break to regroup before knowing she needs to move on with her life. 

But between chance meetings of Americans on the train from Inverness, to a horrible accident involving her ex-husband, there is a whole lot going on for her suddenly, and I really felt for her being pulled in various directions. 

And add in all of that she discovers messages from a DNA site,  which throw her into turmoil too. 

This is one action packed summer, with plenty to keep a reader entertained with.  I was totally enjoying all of it and thought it was a lovely way to end this trilogy.  

Excellent writing as always from Sue Moorcroft, and a joy to read. 

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