Book Review - Meet Me At Pebble Beach by Bella Osborne

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Title: Meet Me At Pebble Beach

Author: Bella Osborne

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: 28th May 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Meet Me at Pebble Beach was originally published as a four-part serial. This is the complete story in one package.

Regan is holding a winning lottery ticket.

Goodbye to the boyfriend who never had her back, and so long to the job she can’t stand!

Except it’s all a bit too good to be true…

When Regan gets pranked, she finds herself jobless, homeless and boyfriendless in one fell swoop.

Luckily her friendly seaside community provides a beacon of hope, proving to Regan that sometimes you really can rely on the kindness of others – and one local in particular, a handsome fireman called Charlie, helps Regan realise that this could be her chance for a fresh start.

Armed with a list of ways to change her life, Regan decides it’s time to step out of her comfort zone. Because – as Charlie knows all too well – life is for living . . .

A feel-good summer read, perfect for fans of Jill Mansell, Veronica Henry and Cressida McLaughlin.

Oh I do love a Bella Osborne book, and this is no exception! 

Within a chapter or two I was very interested in Regan's story and wow does she go on a journey in this book, including hitting rock bottom after a prank leads her to quitting her job, dumping her boyfriend and as a result losing her home all within a few mins. 

Seeing how she deals with that, and how she pulls herself back together and the steps taken to make a wish list written in haste ,to come true!   With the help of new and old friends, Regan has a lot of support even if she doesn't always seem to make the best decisions. 

This is definitely a book you will enjoy if you love Jam or Hedgohogs - but I promise not hedgehog jam! I won't say why both of these feature quite a bit, but trust me there are all manner of wacky flavoured jams which sounded rather interesting, and amongst other things some incredibly cute hoglets.   Oh and Elvis, he's fabulous and is gorgeous,, and a gentle giant, and so mischievous too! 

Then there is Kevins' story, which may have you shedding a tear, and the story involving him brings in an important issue, that faces not just Brighton but most places around the world.  Oh and Charlie, he is fabulous, I loved Charlie. He's a fireman, he is a rock for Regan, but he also has his own issue and I honestly had no idea how the book was going to turn out, although I'm delighted with the ending. 

This is just a really engaging read, it's deep in places, its very lighthearted in places, if best friend Cleo's subject matter for her paintings doesn't raise a smile at least I'd be shocked, and generally its a very well written book that I couldn't get enough of. 

Another gem of a book from this talented author. 

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

Book Review - The Afternoon Tea Club by Jane Gilley

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Title: The Afternoon Tea Club

Author: Jane Gilley

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: 2nd April 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Everyone’s welcome at The Afternoon Tea Club…
Marjorie, Stacy, Raymond and Dora each hold a different story to their chest – lost loves, abandoned dreams, crippling self-confidence issues, and simply feeling invisible. For each of them, the thought of letting those stories out is almost as terrifying as letting strangers in, and that makes for a very lonely life indeed.

But when these four strangers who have struggled to “fit in” end up on the same table for an event at their local community centre, little do they know that their lives are about to be entwined and changed forever because of an Afternoon Tea club.

Cue an unexpected journey of self-discovery, some unlikely new companions, and plenty of tea and biscuits along the way…

Heart-warming and poignant in equal measure, this is a story about loneliness, kindness, and the power of friendships that span generation, proving that the most simple of human connections unite us all. Perfect for fans of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village and The Keeper of Lost Things.

Having enjoyed Jane Gilley's previous book, I was looking forward to seeing what her new story was all about, and anything with afternoon tea in the title is always good at catching my attention. 

During the first meeting of the Afternoon Tea Club I did wonder if the concept was coming across as a little patronising, but once I got to know the main protagonists I was fully involved in this story. 

Marjorie, Dora, Raymond and Stacy are unlikely friends at first glance, but thanks to their attendance at the Afternoon Tea Club soon has them forging new bonds. 

I really enjoyed getting to know all four of these characters as well as Eileen from the community centre.  They all have a great deal of depth to them, and getting to know their backstories and then seeing how they develop is a joy to see. 

It really is a journey of self-discovery and finding out that no matter your situation, things can get better, if you just try to move out of your comfort zone. 

I really enjoyed reading this book while I was in hospital, and it was a great way for my mind to focus on other people's lives for a bit. 

Already interested to see what this author will write next. 

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

Book Review - Summer Under The Stars by Catherine Ferguson - #HolidayReading Mexico

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Title: Summer Under The Stars

Author: Catherine Ferguson

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: 13th May 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Daisy’s had a tough year. After losing her mother and struggling with a job she hates, she really needs a break.

So, when her boyfriend suggests a summer getaway, Daisy jumps at the chance, organising a romantic trip to her friend Clemmy’s new glamping site. What better to help her heal than long walks in the fresh air and sipping prosecco under the stars?

But Daisy didn’t realise Toby hates all things outdoorsy – he’s far more bothered about working on the WiFi than walking in the wilderness. And when Toby isn’t there for Daisy when she needs him most, she starts to question whether he really is The One… especially with writer Jake distracting her from across the lake.

Will this be the relaxing getaway Daisy was hoping for? Or is this summer destined to end in disaster…?

Daisy's boyfriend is a nightmare, He clearly doesn't care about her, is ungrateful for the surprise trip and amusingly doesn't like the countryside. 

I say amusingly as the scene with the bee is hilarious, as are his attempts to rid the glamping yurt from all creepy crawlies!

While Daisy absolutely loves being in and amongst the great outdoors, and is generally having a really tough time of it, after her mother died. 

She did though pick this glamping spot for their week away with an ulterior motive, which really does drive the story and add a great deal of depth to it. 

I also loved that Poppy and Roxy from previous Catherine Ferguson books were featured, I always love catching up with old characters even in passing, when a fan of an author. 

I found this to be a very quick and incredibly enjoyable book, and I loved every second of it. 

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

Book Review - Poison by Jacqui Rose - #HolidayReading Mexico - Blog Tour

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Title: Poison

Author: Jacqui Rose

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: 20th February 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE YOU SHOULD NEVER CROSS

In a life of crime, loyalty means everything – even if you don’t always see eye to eye. But when Vaughn Sadler speaks up to get Franny Doyle sent down, he’s broken every rule in the book to win checkmate.

AND OTHERS YOU SHOULDN’T UNDERESTIMATE…

Holed up in prison, Franny has more than one score to settle – but she’s starting with Vaughn. Because you don’t grass on your own, no matter what. And though she may be behind bars, she will get revenge – whatever the cost.

Before, there was just bad blood running through her veins. But now, there is poison…

Once again I was drawn straight back into the lives of Franny, Vaughn and Alfie, and I just couldn't get enough of them.  I'm already keen to read the next book!

Completely addictive I could barely put the book down, as I tried to second guess what may happen or not. 

With new equally despicable characters introduced there is a lot to take in,  but once you have the basics sorted in your mind,  it's a real fast paced page turner. 

Set in London's seedy underbelly, there is plenty touched on that would make your stomach curl.  At times disgusting, at others graphic I can't seem to get enough of these characters and of Jacqui Rose's writing.

I'm never entirely positive that I enjoy the content of these books but there is just something about them which means they can't be unread on my kindle for long.  I'm definitely hooked on these rather criminal and dodgy people,  even if I can't really understand why.

Although this could be read as a standalone, you potentially would gain more from reading some of the authors previous books as they all appear to be connected.

What a fabulous book to have whiled away the first couple of hours of a long haul flight with.

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

Please do follow along with the other blogs on the tour for this great book

Book Review - The Woman Who Kept Everything by Jane Gilley - #HolidayReading Madeira

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Title: The Woman Who Kept Everything

Author: Jane Gilley

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: 11th July 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

The Lady in the Van meets The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry in this uplifting, funny and moving debut novel about a 79-year-old hoarder who is convinced the world is against her.

79-year-old Gloria Frensham is a hoarder. She lives amongst piles of magazines, cardboard boxes and endless knick-knacks that are stacked into every room of her home, and teeter in piles along the landing and up the stairs.

She hasn’t left the house in years, but when a sudden smell of burning signifies real danger, she is forced to make a sudden departure and leave behind her beloved possessions.

Determined she’s not ready for a care home, Gloria sets out to discover what life still has to offer her. It’s time to navigate the outside world on her own, one step at a time, with just one very small suitcase in tow…

Heart-warming and poignant in equal measure, this is a story about the loneliness of life, the struggles of growing old, the power of kindness, and the bravery it takes to leave our comfort zones.

What an enjoyable gem of a book this turned out to be.  I'm just sorry I didn't read it sooner!

Gloria starts the book rather downtrodden, she is living in a hoarders paradise, but a nightmare for an outsider, she barely cooks, washes from a sink, and seems to have almost given up on life. 

When an electrical fault is found, she is moved into a home for a bit, and from there its a journey of self discovery for this marvellous septuagenarian. 

I really don't want to spoil what happens from that turning point, but expect adventure, expect family disagreements, and a whole new lease of life for Gloria. 

It's always lovely to see an older main character, and Gloria is someone I took to my heart, she has a great personality and a lovely way of looking at things. 

It was a sheer joy to read her story, and see her develop over the book.  

This is the first book I've devoured by the author, I read it in a few short hours, and was hooked, and it certainly won't be the last.

A truly enjoyable and inspiring read, and I hope to be even a bit like Gloria in my twilight years!

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

Book Review - A Walk in Wildflower Park by Bella Osborne - #HolidayReading Madeira

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Title: A Walk in Wildflower Park

Author: Bella Osborne

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: 27th June 2019

Rating: 4 Stars

A Walk in Wildflower Park was originally published as a four-part serial. This is the complete story in one package.

Life’s not always a walk in the park…
Anna thought she’d found The One – until he broke off their engagement exactly a year before their wedding day. Hoping new surroundings will do her the world of good, she moves in to a place of her own on the edge of gorgeous Wildflower Park.

With the help and friendship of her neighbour Sophie (a stressed-out mum whose children a regular source of newly-invented swear words and unidentifiable sticky surfaces), Anna quickly settles in and pledges to focus on her career, but a handsome new colleague seems determined to thwart her attempts at every turn. And when she receives a text from a mystery man, it looks as though an unlikely romance is on the horizon…

Is Anna about to be swept off her feet by someone she really shouldn’t be falling for? Or could this be the new start she needs and deserves?

I thoroughly enjoyed this latest book from Bella Osborne. 

I loved seeing motherhood from Sophie's eyes, with two young kids and pregnant with her third, and a husband who seems like a waste of space. 

I enjoyed getting to know Anna, and seeing her get over being dumped by her fiancee, and end up in a position where there are many men who seem to think they are in with a chance with her. 

The ex wants her back, there is the man who she strikes up a text friendship with after some wrong numbers, and then the American man who is gorgeous, seemingly off limits but does make things interesting for Anna. 

I think even from those descriptions you can tell who I was rooting for.  And there is also Bert, who Anna gets to know after adopting his cat Maurice from an animal shelter   I love Bert and Maurice's story so much. 

Anna clearly has got a deep rich past to her, and its interesting to see just what it is that has happened to shape her.  Hudson also was an interesting issue to come to terms with too. 

This was a pleasure to read and I loved Anna and Sophie's walks in Wildflower Park, which sounded like a lovely private park.  

Just an all around lovely read, which does produce a few surprises along the way to keep readers on their toes. 

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

Book Review - A Friend Called Alfie by Rachel Wells

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Title: A Friend Called Alfie

Author: Rachel Wells

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: 17th October 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

The Sunday Times bestseller returns for a sixth book! Alfie and his mischievous kitten George are back for more adventures – this time with a puppy in tow…

At Christmas time we all need a friend…

Alfie and his kitten, George, have always known that a human is for life and not just for Christmas. So when George learns that one of the residents of Edgar Road has been taken into hospital, he realises it’s up to him to provide some comfort at this difficult time of year.

The only problem is that they now have a little puppy in tow – Pickles the Pug, who is convinced he can be a cat if only he sticks with his new found friends.

As George tries to do everything he can to make the world – and its humans – happier, Alfie struggles to keep Pickles in check and out of trouble. Because even the best laid plans can be destroyed by a well-meaning – but mischievous – little puppy…

Join Alfie, George – and now Pickles – as they come to the rescue of some lonely souls. The perfect read for fans of James Bowen from the Sunday Times bestseller.

I have no idea where to begin with this review other than saying this is a purrfect festive read, that is incredibly funny but also full of an important message about being lonely at Christmas. 

I loved the new addition to Alfie and George's family, Pickles the Pug.  Pickles is determined to be the best cat he can be which leads to all sorts of hilarious antics, and fabulous lines.  He really isn't the smartest of puppies, and is just that bit mischievous too, without really intending to be. 

Seeing the cat's friendship group essentially adopt a dog is so amusing. 

And then there is George who is growing up before our very eyes and now has let's just say a close friendship with a female cat which is so cute to see, as well his determination to get a job.  I loved George's job, I had guessed what it might be and the section leading up to Alfie discovering what his son is up to was so amusing.  

These cats have such human qualities to them, and are far smarter then their humans, although all the 2 legged people in this book are great too, and I enjoyed catching up with them. 

Then there is Alfie's own love life, which seems complicated, and the fact he is forever being tasked with puppy sitting!!   I mean a cat looking after a dog, when have you ever seen that before, but yet it felt so believable.  

There are so many subplots and threads running through this book, it was like watching a tv series but being able to binge watch it so you didn't miss a thing!! 

I adore Alfie, George and the rest of the felines (both real ones and the pug), and this has cemented itself to my mind as a series I need to continue to follow forever as I love the characters and writing so much. 

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

Book Review - Alfie the Holiday Cat by Rachel Wells

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Title: Alfie The Holiday Cat

Author: Rachel Wells

Format reviewed: Hardback

Source: Avon sent it

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: 16th November 2017

Rating: 5 Stars

Alfie and George just can’t seem to keep out of trouble. So when they hear that their owners have got a new holiday home, they can’t wait to visit it and enjoy some new adventures.

But when they arrive, they don’t find the comfort they’re used to. Crumbling walls, peeling paint, dripping ceilings…this little Cornish cottage is clearly on its last legs.

Family and friends rally round to try and save the cottage – but it soon becomes clear that the locals don’t want them there at all. It’s up to Alfie and George to make sure their family is welcomed into the village – that’s if they can keep out of the way of the nastiest cat they’ve ever encountered…

I can't believe it has taken me so long to finally read a book in this series.  Alfie the Holiday Cat has been staring at me on my bookshelf for about 2 years since he arrived into my home, but its taken until now to sit down and meet him properly. 

And awww how adorable are Alfie and his kitten George, and the three families they look after.  I had to keep laughing at can only be described as puppy love from George, although I can assure you it was an unrequited crush on an old cat, and not a dog, that lead him to spend his time just wanting to catch a glimpse of Chanel! 

Despite the book starting at Christmas, and the slightly festive looking cover, almost the whole book takes place over the course of a summer, and as such could easily be read at any time of the year. In fact the title is thus rather clever as I assumed the holiday cat would be Christmas holidays, and not a summer holiday! 

It took me a chapter or two to get into the swing of things, as learning the dynamics of three families when you know you haven't read the previous books of the series, is always a large number of characters to get to know but once I had an idea about them, I was incredibly happy. 

This is such a fabulous book written through a cat's eyes. I loved how Alfie felt responsible for everything, how clever he really is and how in tune his humans seemed to be with him.  From Alfie's point of view we see this new holiday home and everything that is going on, even before the humans are aware just what lengths the locals are going to to drive them away. 

And watching Alfie and George get to grips with the beach, eating ice-cream, paddleboarding are some of the sweetest and funniest things i have read in ages. 

Heartwarming, full of love and laughter, this is an incredibly adorable book that has already got me craving to read more of this series.   I really did love it and read around the last 200 pages in one sitting, when I possibly should have been doing other things. 

A purrfectly wonderful story! 

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

Book Review - A Perfect Cornish Christmas by Phillipa Ashley

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Title:  A Perfect Cornish Christmas 

Author: Philippa Ashley

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: 31st October 2019

Rating: 4 Stars

Christmas in Cornwall is just around the corner…

But after last Christmas revealed a shocking family secret, Scarlett’s hardly feeling merry and bright. All she wants this Christmas is to know who her real father is.

So Scarlett heads to the little Cornish town of Porthmellow, where she believes the truth of her birth is hidden. She just didn’t bargain on being drawn into the Christmas festival preparations – or meeting Jude Penberth, whose charm threatens to complicate life further.

Everything will come to a head at Porthmellow’s Christmas Festival … But can Scarlett have the perfect Christmas this year, or are there more surprises on the way?

Curl up with this gorgeous novel and savour the world of Porthmellow Harbour.

How lovely to be back in Porthmellow with this all new, standalone story.  I was hooked from the first chapter, and wanted to know what on earth had disrailed Scarlett's Christmas day so much that she fled from it and ended up in the pub, wearing fluffy bunny slippers. 

As the events of that first Christmas are revealed, well I could definitely understand her feelings and also had a strong hunch that this would be one tremendous book which is really was. 

Although I did spend a fair amount of the story wondering whether the title was ironic, as I just couldn't see how there would be a perfect Christmas in it, but I'm delighted to say that the author has some fabulous tricks up her sleeve! 

This is the story of Scarlett and Ellie's family, as they go from the bombshell of the previous year, into a more turbulent time.  Assorted family secrets are revealed and both ladies also have potential romances, although nothing runs smoothly. 

I enjoyed the Winter Solstice festival, I just wish that like the first book we had seen more of the planning and committee members. Although Sam, Gabe, Ben and Zennor were all present in this story, it felt more like cameo's and just seeing familiar faces around the community, rather than anything further really happening with them.  

A Perfect Cornish Christmas is a story with the greater themes of Christmas at its heart, the importance of family,  and the feeling of coming together as a community.  It was another incredibly enjoyable book in this series.  And given how early in the year I read this, I'm also delighted to say it's not overly festive,  its more a story that takes in two Christmases' and an autumn in between, as we follow the sister's stories. 

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

Book Review - A Perfect Cornish Summer by Phillipa Ashley - #HolidayReading Madeira

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Title: A Perfect Cornish Summer

Author: Philippa Ashley

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: 25th April 2019

Rating: 4 Stars

Summer is on the horizon, and the people of Porthmellow are eagerly awaiting the annual food festival. At least, most of them are…

For Sam Lovell, organising the summer festival in her hometown is one of the highlights of her year. It’s not always smooth sailing, but she loves to see Porthmellow’s harbour packed with happy visitors, and being on the committee has provided a much-needed distraction from the drama in her family life (and the distinct lack of it in her love life).

When their star guest pulls out with only a few weeks to go, everyone’s delighted when a London chef who grew up locally steps in at the last minute. But Gabe Matthias is the last person Sam was expecting to see, and his return to Porthmellow will change her quiet coastal life for ever.

Curl up with this gorgeous novel and savour the world of Porthmellow Harbour.

I really enjoyed my first visit to Porthmellow, and already wondering if it is, in mid August too soon to read the Christmas book to return there!

I loved both Chloe and Sam's stories in this, both with complicated pasts there were enjoyable to discover. 

Between them they head the committee for the Porthmellow Food festival and to say this 10th annual festival is not only the biggest but the one with the most potential problems would be an understatement. 

I loved getting to know the committee and all the main residents in this Cornish town. I loved the various quirks and seeing just how Sam was going to cope with things. 

Especially the reappearance of her ex boyfriend, which she split up with years ago, after he reported her brother to the police, - well its very hard to come back from that. 

But despite that I fell for Gabe, he clearly knows his right from wrong, and is an extremely talented chef too. 

There are a large number of pies in this book, as well as plenty of other food, to make you hungry as you read. 

I found it took some time for me to get into the stride of this book, but I think that is because every time I think of this author, one particular set of characters comes back to me from a previous series, and then I have to remember that I'm reading something fresh. 

A really enjoyable book and I am very much looking forward to the next one in the series. 

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

Book Review - Let It Snow by Sue Moorcroft - Blog Tour

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Title: Let It Snow

Author: Sue Moorcroft

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: 26th September 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

This Christmas, the villagers of Middledip are off on a very Swiss adventure…
Family means everything to Lily Cortez and her sister Zinnia, and growing up in their non-conventional family unit, they and their two mums couldn’t have been closer.

So it’s a bolt out of the blue when Lily finds her father wasn’t the anonymous one-night stand she’d always believed – and is in fact the result of her mum's reckless affair with a married man.

Confused, but determined to discover her true roots, Lily sets out to find the family she’s never known; an adventure that takes her from the frosted, thatched cottages of Middledip to the snow-capped mountains of Switzerland, via a memorable romantic encounter along the way…

When the weather outside is frightful....

you can do no better than curling up with a fabulous festive Sue Moorcroft book, and  Let It Snow is just that. 

And The Fire is so delightful...

... so is everything about this book, from the picturesque setting, to the family dynamics, the friendships, the potential romance, the snow, and just the way it all made me feel, utterly delightful. 

And Since We've No Place To Go.... 

... not true at all for Lily and the rest of the Middletones, where we get to see their entire trip to Switzerland which was my favourite part of the book. I loved everything about Switzerland. the Christmas markets, the singing that the Middletones did, the cuckoo clocks,  all the snow, and getting to know a couple of very key people out there. 

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

.. what an apt title for a book that certainly does feature a large amount of snow.  Doggo who had to be one of my favourite characters, loved chasing around in the snow, and I enjoyed the teenagers who couldn't resist taking part in snow ball fights.   Not to mention that Let It Snow was one of the more popular tunes of the group, and thus  I had it running in my head a lot! 

Man it doesn't show signs of stoppin'

... the pace doesn't let up in this book, there are so many different storylines in play, romantic tensions, and there is the non stop will Lily or won't Lily reveal her true identity to her half brothers. 

And I brought me some corn for poppin

... plenty of delicious food mentions, between the pub that Lily and Isaac are working in to the delights in Switzerland. 

The lights are turned way down low

...  Well there were some darker times as you get to grips with just why Lily is in Middledip to start with, and what her decision is doing to her family.  And Isaac certainly has a tough time of it when his ex, Hayley becomes rather prominent, but not in the way you may be thinking. 

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

.. As I have been trying to say, I loved every single moment of this book, it is Sue Moorcroft at her best, its warm and cosy,  the whole of the Switzerland section was fabulous, and its always great to be back in Middledip.  This easily stands alone with plenty of brand new characters to get to know, and I loved all the various threads of story involved. 

Really what I should just be saying is

Buy it now... buy it now... read it now!! 

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

Please do follow along with the rest of the blog tour, you may even find some reviews that make more sense than me singing out of tune!! 

Book Review - The Unlikely Life of Maisie Meadows by Jenni Keer

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Title: The Unlikely Life of Maisie Meadows

Author: Jenni Keer

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: 8th July 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

When Maisie Meadows finds herself single and jobless on New Year’s Day, she resolves that this will be the year she focuses on bringing her scattered family back together. Romance is all very well, but it’s the people you grew up with that matter the most.

But a new job working at an auction house puts her in the path of Theo, a gorgeous but unattainable man who she can’t help but be distracted by. As their bond begins to grow, Maisie finds herself struggling to fulfil the promise she made to herself – but the universe has other ideas, and it’s not long before the Meadows family are thrown back together in the most unlikely of circumstances…

Can dealing with other people’s treasures help Maisie to let go of the past, and teach her who she ought to treasure the most?

I can't believe this is only the author's second book, it is so accomplished and I much prefer it to her first one, which I also really enjoyed.  

I connected really quickly to Maisie Meadows, and absolutely loved the assorted storylines running through the book, although one of the most obvious things to me, was never spelt out to Maisie until towards the end, so there were plenty of conversations at cross purposes, which are always amusing. 

I loved the auction house that Maisie is working at, complete with all of her new colleagues, all of whom are simply wonderful, from the flamboyant Johnny, the quiet Elle, chatterbox Arthur (and there is so much more to his story, its a joy to uncover), and  Theo who we meet in a wonderfully memorable way. 

Then there is Maisie's family, she is the youngest of four, and just wants to reunite her siblings and parents under one roof and for them to all be on big happy family again like she remembers before it all went wrong... however let's just say again all the family members are radically different and nothing is as it seems. 

Finally we have Maisie's quest to reunite all the pieces of a special tea set, and in doing so learns a lot about another large family who is fractured.  The big question though is whether the tea set really does have slightly magical properties, or whether everything that happens really is coincidence. 

There is masses of story in this, if you don't like one thread, then don't worry another one comes along very soon. Personally I enjoyed every last minute of it, and absolutely loved spending time with this cast of unusual characters. 

There is more depth to the plot than you may think, and I already thought the cover was lovely, but looking at it again since reading the book, I can see just how relevant all those small items really are, each holing clues to strands of this book. 

It was an utter delight to read, and I think Jenni Keer is definitely an author who will be going places, and I intend to keep reading and following her (in a completely non creepy way!). 

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